How Soon to Snack After a Workout?

How Soon Do You Eat After Working Out?

June 7, 2010

We all have our special rituals when it comes to working out, such as how long we warm up, when we stretch, which treadmill we choose, etc. The post-workout ritual is important too, especially recovery foods. Research shows that 30 to 45 minutes after working out, the human body is primed to replenish the lost fuel because your muscles are more responsive to insulin. I am curious how food factors into your routine.

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10 Comments

Kellanawida 2 years 49 weeks

It really depends how I feel. Sometimes right away, sometimes not at all.

amber512 2 years 49 weeks

I could simply never not eat before OR after working out! I have to have some carbs to fuel my workout and something with protein to recover. It usually takes about 45 minutes from the second I'm done working out through the drive home, shower, and making of food before I'm eating though.

amber512 2 years 49 weeks

Spectra 2 years 49 weeks

I'm not hungry right after working out. It takes me about an hour to get my appetite worked up. It works out well--I finish running or doing the elliptical, then I shower and get dressed and ready and by then I'm ready for some breakfast.

GlowingMoon 2 years 49 weeks

I happen to wait about 30 - 45 minutes. For me, there's a matter of cooling down before I can eat. I have to calm my beating heart, and stop sweating, etc. Then I have to shower. Then comes eating.

runningesq 2 years 49 weeks

I'm surprised that people don't eat after working out. After swimming I eat right away -- usually in the car. Swimming makes me SO hungry! Biking -- usually when I get home from a long ride. Sometimes this takes an hour or so, depending on where I ride, but I'll have a Hammer sports drink immediately after. Running -- immiedately after, unless it's a 12+ mi run, and then after an ice bath.

runningesq 2 years 49 weeks

I'm surprised that people don't eat after working out.After swimming I eat right away -- usually in the car. Swimming makes me SO hungry!Biking -- usually when I get home from a long ride. Sometimes this takes an hour or so, depending on where I ride, but I'll have a Hammer sports drink immediately after.Running -- immiedately after, unless it's a 12+ mi run, and then after an ice bath.

ticamorena 2 years 49 weeks

if I work out in the evening, then i won't eat again until breakfast, and if i work out in the morning, i do so on an empty stomach, then try to have a piece of fruit a little after. however, i avoid eating anything filling within an hour before or after a workout because it will be back out the other end in minutes