Eating and Exercise
Question: How long after I exercise should I wait before I eat? And is it more beneficial to eat after I work out or before?
Dr. Bruce Dan: In general, it’s probably better to eat after you exercise, rather than before, just to avoid an upset stomach. If you’re hungry, there’s no reason you can’t start eating as soon as you step off the gym floor. As for what to eat, it’s usually smart to have some kind of carbohydrate, say a banana or a bagel, within thirty minutes of ending your workout. Some research also suggests that small amounts of protein, along with carbohydrates, after exercise helps replenish your muscles’ energy stores.
If you’re going to eat before exercising it’s best to stick to a pre-game meal rich in carbohydrates like pasta or rice to give you some energy. And try to eat three to four hours beforehand to make sure you won’t feel full.
But what applies to food doesn’t hold true for liquids. You should keep drinking water before, during and after your workout.
