Pre/post workout snacks...any suggestions?

[joanne_lulu]

Hi everyone,

I recently increased the number of times I go to the gym per week and I don't have a clue what to eat before and after going!

I did a google search but there are such mixed messages, I don't know where to start. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thank you! xx

[Diana]

Graze do boxes, often found in petrol stations, great stuff, typically around 200cals a pot

[Hidden]

Not sure why you'd be eating anything before or after the gym? Am I missing something here?

[Claire2stone]

I always have a banana or an apple and a nice cold glass of water after a work out. I don't generally have anything before (except water) as wouldnt want to be jumping around after food. I wait 2hrs after a meal before exercising. Hope this helps. Claire x

[DartmoorDumpling Restart Feb 2024]

Bananas are excellent to stop you feeling a "sugar dip" if you go straight from work for example with no time for your evening meal. A pot of porridge will also keep your sugar levels up without doing too much damage if you need a quick snack before going out. A little box with some dried fruit and a few nuts is handy if you feel in need of a snack after the gym. Take some sugar free drinks with you too if you in the habit of buying a drink - I always used to buy a hot chocolate after a visit to the swimming pool - it might be best to have a flask in your bag!

[Hidden]

I try not to eat directly before exercising, leave a 2-4 hour gap as described above. But make sure you drink enough water throughout the day beforehand. Afterwards I have a normal meal, either breakfast if I ran before breakfast or dinner if I cycled home from work. If I feel I need a bit extra, then I go for things like bananas, extra protein in my dinner e.g. lentils/nuts. For weight loss you want to avoid eating back the calories you burnt. But some online articles are for people trying to build muscle up so may advise adding more protein in. I find there's a balance that needs striking between exercising enough to assist weight loss, and doing so much that you end up ravenous. Little and often seems to work best. Hope that helps