Eat before or after cardio - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

debbie2881 · 03-11-2006, 03:32 PM

I have 2 young kids. Not much time for exercise but I bought an elliptical because I want to lose some weight. I am also on LA Weightloss. On my program I basically eat alot. 10-11am breakfast, 1pm protein bar and fruit, 4pm lunch, 6pm protein bar and fruit and at 8-9pm dinner. I was wondering is it ok to eat just before exercising or just after? I wake up and take care of the kids then have breakfast. Today was my 1st day starting. I got up, took care of them then exercised for about 10mins (yeah i'm outta shape), then had breakfast. As I get a moment during the day (when the baby is sleeping and i'm not preparing to cook dinner) I want to exercise instead of just sitting on the couch and watch tv so I need some advice.

PS: My kids don't go to bed until 11-11:30pm so a late workout is tough also. My best option is during the day. I barely get a little sleep as it is to waking up earlier would just drain me. Thanks

Chelle2 · 03-11-2006, 06:26 PM

Hi Debbie ! I am not an expert but I can share my sort of rule of thumb when it comes to exercise. Also, remember, that every person's body is different and what I do may not be good for everyone.

I believe that it's best to exercise in the evening so I do most of my working out in the evenings. The reason is that by evening, I've consumed all my meals and whatever I had all day is ready to burn.Secondly, I work during the day and am fairly active at that time and evening is a bit sedentary for me, therefore, a work out in the evening keeps me active.

The rule of thumb for eating is: wait at least an hour after eating before working out.Than again, it's going to depend on what you ate. You wouldn't believe the energy the body uses to digest food. We don't feel it, but if you ever saw it (I did on an x-ray motion picture film)you would wonder how we could eat and than afterward stand and walk !I never really heard of any adverse effects with eating after a work out. My boyfriend usually eats something about 15 - 20 minutes after he exercises.

If you have more time in the day to work out, that's fine. It's better than not exercising at all.Just give yourself time to digest your food.Do not exercise if you are not feeling well, though.

F.R.O.S.T · 03-11-2006, 08:00 PM

You should eat before AND after. Afterwards you should preferably eat as soon as possible.

Naxis · 03-11-2006, 09:22 PM

If it's eliptical exercise, eat something right after, but do not eat before. You want to have a lower bloodsugar so your body is more inclined to use fat for fuel. If you're doing any strength training, eating a little before hand will improve your workout and eating after will replenish glycogen.

F.R.O.S.T · 03-11-2006, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naxis

If it's eliptical exercise, eat something right after, but do not eat before. You want to have a lower bloodsugar so your body is more inclined to use fat for fuel. If you're doing any strength training, eating a little before hand will improve your workout and eating after will replenish glycogen.

High blood sugar should not be a problem as long as you make sensible choices with your meal before training.