Working out questions; fitness peeps, please come in!

[Dr.Girlfriend]

Incredibly stupid question, but is it better to work out before or after you eat? I currently get home about 6 p.m. and that's when we eat dinner. That would put me about 7, 7:30 p.m. for working out. I could always just come home, work out and then eat...

Also, has anyone done the 30 Day Shred? Wondering if it's worked for anyone.

 

[mjkacmom]

Your body will burn more calories if you workout before you eat.

 

[jessily]

I find that I can't comfortably work out unless I wait about 3-4 hours after eating. It was becoming a problem, so I shifted my workouts to early morning. I'll eat something small (a hard boiled egg or some peanut butter) but can't eat breakfast until after my workout. You may want to experiment and see which works better for you.

 

[dancingdisneygirl]

I use it. I like it!!! I mix it up with other stuff so I don't only rely on the dvd. It kicks my butt!

 

[MusiqChic99]

I'm not sure what is really better but I go home and work out and then cook supper. It usually means DH and DS have a snack to tide them over but it seems to be working out fine. Sometimes DH will cook while I'm working out too. I dont know if it's better or not but I like eating after I work out, otherwise I would have to wait a while before I ate if I wanted to workout afterwards.

I've never done the 30 day shred but I swear by Taebo. I'm doing the bootcamp series now and I love it.

 

[Hercules10]

Answer is yes. I usually have something high protein before the work-out. Usually a whey protein mix. Several muscle-head mags suggest eating something at least 30 minutes prior to fuel the work-out.Then after the workout I will also eat mostly cause I'm starving.

 

[Nie0214]

Less complicated answer, 1 lb = 3500 calories. If you want to lose 1 lb, you need a 3500 cal deficit, doesn't matter when you eat.

More complicated answer, after weight training you probably want some protein. Protein shakes are best after weight training.

I wouldn't have a large meal before cardio, I'd wait 2-3 hours after a big meal to cardio. I have a snack before going to the gym, or a small meal (PBJ) an hour before. If you're going to eat after cardio, wait an hour. Basically, if you eat before the gym, let it get digested before working out. If you eat after, wait about 45 mins or more.

Personally, I cannot eat after I work out, just don't like the sight of food. I still try to eat something small 2 hours after to keep the metabolism going.

 

[jaminmd]

I can only speak to what works best for me. I am a daily exerciser & I have to do it in the morning before I eat. If I have a full stomach, it just slows me down & I hate it, especially if it is kickboxing or aerobics. I like to do it in the morning after my coffee.

 

[redlight]

I don't like to be anywhere near full when I run, but I'll sometimes eat a little like a spoonful of peanut butter or something soon before I run. I also usually don't eat till an hour after I'm done.

 

[FireDancer]

I would workout and then eat. You will need fuel to repair your muscles after the workout and a meal with protein and carbs works best. If you don't want to workout on a full stomach you can bring a meal bar or banana with you and have that on the way to the gym to hold you over.

 

[Maddykins06]

It really depends on the individual. You don't want to crash during your workout & not be able to finish, but you also don't want to be so full that your stomach sloshes around & you feel nauseous.

I have to have a little something in my stomach or I feel sick. But just something small like a banana or part of a protein bar.

Then DEFINITELY eat some protein & carbs after your workout to repair your muscles & assist with recovery.

GOOD LUCK & good for you for exercising!

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

Thanks for all of the input. I did my first evening of the 30 Day Shred and I am WAY WAY WAY SORE today! I ate first last night and waited about 2 hours, but like everyone pretty much indicated...not a great idea. Will workout and then eat tonight.

 

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

Can somebody tell me what the 30 day shred is? TIA!

 

[pogo791]

For me, it has always been working out first, meals second, no matter what the time of day.

I have three major reasons for this. The first is that if I work out after a meal, I can easily get nauseous. And even if I don't, all that food sloshing around in my stomache doesn't feel good. (It can't be just me; I've heard lots of other people say the same thing.)

Second, after I eat I like to take it easy in general, and enjoy life. Sit back, have a good read, watch tv, whatever. But not get down to the gym or out on the jogging path.

And third, I've found that a good workout will curb my appetite, and thus obviously help any diet I may be on.

That said, if it's been a while since I've last eaten, I might have a light snack before exercise, but definitely no major meal ...