I always wondered about whether it’s better to eat before I work out or after. I’ve done both before, and lately I’ve eaten dinner, waited for an hour, then did my workout. Usually afterwards I do not really feel so hungry which is good, since I figured taking in more food meant consuming more calories.
Anyway today I worked out before I had my dinner, and I felt really hungry afterwards. As I ate I wondered if my work out was worth it because I just burned calories. I did some research and I found out that within the first 45 minutes after you exercise, there is a “metabolic window.” Enzymes that replenish muscle carbs are at their highest levels. Insulin is also at peak levels, which rebuilds protein stores. By consuming a mix of carbs and protein at this point will maintain muscle, replenish glycogen stores and reduce the amount of fat your body stores.
If you eat before working out its always best to eat something, especially if you’re a morning exerciser, since most likely the last time you ate was probably the night before since you’ve already burned a good amount of calories sleeping. It also makes sense to fuel up your body on an empty stomach, otherwise you’ll definitely have no energy and feel sluggish during the workout. You want to make the best out of your workout so make sure you have energy to do it! 
What are your thoughts? Do you eat before or after you work out? Let me know in the comments!
Anyway today I worked out before I had my dinner, and I felt really hungry afterwards. As I ate I wondered if my work out was worth it because I just burned calories. I did some research and I found out that within the first 45 minutes after you exercise, there is a “metabolic window.” Enzymes that replenish muscle carbs are at their highest levels. Insulin is also at peak levels, which rebuilds protein stores. By consuming a mix of carbs and protein at this point will maintain muscle, replenish glycogen stores and reduce the amount of fat your body stores.
If you eat before working out its always best to eat something, especially if you’re a morning exerciser, since most likely the last time you ate was probably the night before since you’ve already burned a good amount of calories sleeping. It also makes sense to fuel up your body on an empty stomach, otherwise you’ll definitely have no energy and feel sluggish during the workout. You want to make the best out of your workout so make sure you have energy to do it!
What are your thoughts? Do you eat before or after you work out? Let me know in the comments!