Eat before or after workout?

[trs893]

Just a question (not sure if it's ever been discussed on the forum before...)---

Is it better to eat a snack before or after exercising? Does one burn more calories or more fat than the other? Because I've read various opinions on this issue, and I'm not sure what the clear message is (if there is one).

Thanks,

TRS

[Kittycat]

That's a good question, I only have time to exercise in evening about an hour after dinner, drink a bottle of water and then workout for 30 minutes.

I would think, eat first, exercise after.

[cckcsharp]

Just a question (not sure if it's ever been discussed on the forum before...)---

Is it better to eat a snack before or after exercising? Does one burn more calories or more fat than the other? Because I've read various opinions on this issue, and I'm not sure what the clear message is (if there is one).

Thanks,

TRS

I am not an expert but I remember hearing/reading Bob Greene (Oprahs trainer) say that you shouldn't eat before exercise. I can't remember if he said it in his book( I have it) or during a time on the Oprah show. But I would just do a google search or read up a little on it. I would be interested to know too. So if I come across the info, I will post it. I plan to do a little research, just can't right now. 4 little kids are trying to talk to me while I am trying to write the post. YIKES!!!

[nothereanymore]

You don't want to work out on an empty stomach or you'll just burn muscle and you want to eat after. I generally eat something light right before (1/2 banana) and have a small protein shake after.

[cckcsharp]

Just a question (not sure if it's ever been discussed on the forum before...)---

Is it better to eat a snack before or after exercising? Does one burn more calories or more fat than the other? Because I've read various opinions on this issue, and I'm not sure what the clear message is (if there is one).

Thanks,

TRS

I found this doing a little research on-line. I copied and pasted from the MAYO clinic website. Hope this helps.

Eating and exercise: Time it right to maximize your workout

<h2 id="summary">Knowing when and how much to eat and drink before you exercise can make a big difference in how you feel during and after your workout. Here are some tips.</h2> When you eat and what you eat can affect your performance and the way you feel while you're exercising. Coordinate your meals, snacks and what you drink to make the most of your exercise routine.

Eating a lot before exercise can slow you down

When you exercise after a large meal, you may feel sluggish or have an upset stomach, cramping and diarrhea. That's because your muscles and your digestive system are competing with each other for energy resources.

"Your body can digest food while you're active, but not as well as it can when you're not exercising," notes Stephen DeBoer, a registered dietitian at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. This is partly because your body is trying to do two things requiring blood supply and energy simultaneously — digesting the food you just ate and providing fuel to keep your muscles active.

Time it right: Before, during and after your workout

On the flip side, not eating before you exercise can be just as bad as eating too much. Low blood sugar levels that result from not eating can make you feel weak, faint or tired, and your mental abilities may be affected as well, making you slower to react. So what can you do?

To get the most from your workout, follow these guidelines:

• Eat a full breakfast. Wake up early enough to eat a full breakfast. "Most of the energy you got from dinner last night is used up by morning," says DeBoer. "Your blood sugar is low. If you don't eat, you may feel sluggish or lightheaded while exercising." If you plan to exercise within an hour after breakfast, eat a smaller breakfast or drink something to raise your blood sugar, such as a sports drink.
  
• Time your meals. Eat large meals at least three to four hours before exercising. If you're having a small meal, eat two to three hours before exercising.
  Most people can eat snacks right before and during exercise. The key is how you feel. Some people feel lightheaded during the first 10 to 15 minutes of their workout if they eat within the hour before exercise. Do what works best for you.
  
• Don't skip meals. Skipping meals may cause low blood sugar, which can make you feel weak and lightheaded. If you're short on time before your workout, and your choice is candy or nothing, eat the candy because it can improve your performance, compared with eating nothing. But keep in mind, all candy is high in sugar and low on nutrients, so a snack of yogurt and a banana would be a better choice.
  
• Eat after your workout. To help your muscles recover and to replace their glycogen stores, eat a meal that contains both protein and carbohydrates within two hours of your exercise session if possible.