Do you always feel hungry and lethargic after workout? But, most people are afraid of having meal after workout even they are hungry because they think that our body will absorb faster at that time and affect the effectiveness of exercises. Thus, should we eat after workout? And when should we eat after workout. We are here to tell you the truth.
When you exercise, your body uses energy to burn calories, which may leave you feeling tired. In order to make up for the calories it lost, your body may trigger the sensation of hunger. When you eat, your body refuels its glycogen stores, stabilizing your blood sugar and providing you with a boost of energy. Though exercise is extremely beneficial, it does take a lot of effort on your body’s part. After your workout, it’s important to repair your muscles and replenish your glycogen stores for energy.
When to Eat
Try to eat within two hours of exercising, but wait a minimum of 15 minutes after exercising before you eat. You can eat a snack that contains both protein and carbohydrates to replace the glycogen stores in your body quickly and effectively. To prevent dehydration, drink 3 cups of water for every pound of weight that you lost during the workout.
What to Eat
Choose a light snack that will keep you energized without weighing you down, like a slice of whole-grain bread with peanut butter on top or a whole-grain pita pocket with two slices of turkey inside. Fried foods and chips which are high in saturated fat and oil should be avoided.
How to Keep the Weight Off
Eating immediately after you exercise will help keep your energy high for the rest of the day, but if you’re trying to lose weight, it may also limit the effectiveness of your workout. After you burn calories, your body will try to store any new calories you consume to prevent you from starving yourself. Snack wisely after working out, consuming only the calories you need to feel energized, for the best weight-loss results.