Eat before or after?

[castiggy]

Does anyone know whether it is better to eat before doing an exercise session or afterwards?

[Hidden]

Hi castiggy , I'm not sure what's better but I do neither. Yesterday I felt a bit hungry when I was running but it didn't seem to make any difference to my running. I eat at my normal times - routine helps keep me on track.

[VickyDLM 2 stone]

I don't know what the official wisdom is, but I prefer to eat afterwards. I find if I eat first I feel rather uncomfortable.

I usually go swimming 3 times a week and I find I do best if I have a small snack (like an apple) about an hour before I swim. I then eat a meal afterwards. If I go first thing in the morning I don't tend to eat at all but drink plenty and then have breakfast afterwards.

[MW50]

I am sure there is a 'science' out there that will give you several and conflicting answers, but remember they can only ever be based on 'mr/mrs average'. I think it is best to go with your instinct and what suits you best, as you are far more likely to stick with it over time. For me personally that is plenty of water to drink prior/during exercise and a healthy snack after. Marian

[castiggy in reply to MW50]

That's what I normally do as the best time for me to exercise is when I get home from work and before dinner. I just wondered if there was any good reason that it was better the other way around.

Thanks everyone for your responses. Most welcome.

[Annde70]

You should eat a higher protein meal after exercising. Many suggest carbohydrates before but I cannot eat anything too close to exercising as it causes me to feel sick. I try to have a high carb breakfast if exercising late in the morning

[Back2Basics_77]

Hi, in reply to your post about "when to eat" around the times you exercise? Well it's been some time since I graduated uni (Sports Science), but the general convention was as follows:

Try to eat at least 2 hours before exercise, so as not to still be digesting food while you exercise. Your gut will compete for oxygen, while you exercise, and you will get a stitch, tummy ache/cramps. It also doesn't help digestion to be moving around too much.

Eating after, it's usually a good idea to eat a protein packed meal after exercise, but again not too heavy. If you are using protein shakes, have it within 30 mins of finishing to have maximum effect.

Obviously this isn't easy if you are going to the gym after work, and you can't fit tea in before, and it's too late to eat afterwards.

You'll have to plan your meals around your exercise routine. Try to avoid high GI carbs, as they will make your appetite spike and are burned faster by the body. Slow burning carbs (Low GI) are always best.

Best of luck

[castiggy in reply to Back2Basics_77]

Thanks for that - it makes a lot of sense. I shall aim to have something to eat at afternoon break (yep, I work in a company that has a morning and afternoon break time), so then I won't be too famished by the time I get around to exercising.

[Activity2004 Visitor in reply to castiggy]

It depends on if the person is also diabetic. If the person is diabetic, they need to eat/drink before so they don't have severe low blood sugars while exercising.

[IndigoBlue61]

Interesting thread 😊 I generally exercise first thing on empty stomach but need to rehydrate first, at least a pint of water /tea. If I'm swimming I have a banana about an hour before i go 😊