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So my boss (who is an work-outaholic) says that it's best to eat something before you work out for the extra energy, however, I've also heard that it's better to eat AFTER you work out b/c your body burns calories from storage...

What do you guys think? Is there a definite answer? I'm getting back into a work-out routine and have been going at it for the last month, but I'm losing very little... Any added info would be great! I want to maximize my routine and look "good" by this time next year.

Thanks gentlemen!

I find that if I am going to do weight lifting that I do better if I am "not hungry" when I start. That doesnt mean that I have to eat right before I start, but I dont want to be feeling "empty" either.

With aerobics like the treadmill, I can be hungry when I start because the body will start pulling from its reserves to get energy.

My personal trainer says to eat protein within an hour after working out. He says the body will be "scrounging" for protein after a workout to repair the muscles just worked. He says it is especially best if you can get the protein in liquid form to cut down on the digestion work imposed on the body.

You should eat something before and after you workout. There's this belief that one burns more fat if you workout on an empty stomach. The results have been spotty at best. I know if I workout on an empty stomach my energy is flagging half way through my workout. I try to put something in my stomach 45 - 60 minutes before I train--even if its a protein shake. As for after my workout, lately, I've been putting a couple of scoops of whey protein in an empty shaker bottle and as soon as my workout is done I fill it with water, shake it and consume it to quickly replenish my energy storages--it seems to work great.

Vince

do both. Sometimes I eat mid workout. you need to fuel your body to get through the workout and then put in the proper nutrition to recover. Usually I have something more carb heavy before and then more protein heavy after. It all depends on you body chemistry and your goals. There is no magic formula, but if you starve yourself you won't see any change and you will not treat your body the way it needs.

yeah i do both....eating an hour or two before then protein shake right after.......nothing worse then trying to lift on an empty stomach.

I take a protein drink with dextrose, L-glutamine and protein powder before and drink the same drink after.

The first drink is to help me fuel my workouts and then the post workout shake is to help me replace the protein I've torn up and the glycogen that I've burned during exercise.

I gotta do both here. High metabolism. Plus I need the daily protein!

Teacherguy saidyeah i do both....eating an hour or two before then protein shake right after.......nothing worse then trying to lift on an empty stomach.

Yep. Pretty much what TeacherGuy said. Eat an 1.5 - 2 hours beforehand, down a protein shake .5h right before the actual workout. If you're using NO supplements, take it 45 mins before as it helps with the uptake of any subsequent supplements you will be taking later.. i.e. Creatine, whey pro.

and THEN eat your meal in the 1 - 2 hour window post-workout.

If you're strength training, best to eat before and after. Not stuff your face right before, but eat before with enough time to let your system digest and have it ready to be used to fuel your workout. Afterwards, because you're gonna need to refuel and provide your body with enough fuel to recover.

Cardio, best not to eat before so that your body will pull from your reserves for energy, meaning your fat storages.

Hmmmm, before and after. I sometimes, during, but my gym reprimanded me for the tuna fish odor, but I'm home gyming now so screw them.

GuiltyGear said
Hmmmm, before and after. I sometimes, during, but my gym reprimanded me for the tuna fish odor, but I'm home gyming now so screw them.

You taught them a lesson! YEAH!

I have a protein shake (60g) 30 minutes before my workout. After, I have another shake and a protein bar immediately. I've found that if I eat any type of solid food before the gym, I need at least 45 minutes to an hour to let it settle. But that's just me. A medium apple or two slices of white bread will give you an added burst of energy to sustain your workout.