How important is it to eat after working out?

[Way2HealthnWealth]

Does having your protein shake or a having a mealright after a workout make such a difference? Will it be so muchbetter than eating an hour or two after training? Or the post-workoutprotein shake will make a big difference? Trying to decide if I needit or not.

 

[stevesmi]

i had a friend who used to work the smoothie bar at the gym and she would laugh at all the skinny kids who would run to her after a workout and start yelling "protein! protein!"

it is a complete myth that you must run and drink a protein shake after a workout or your muscles will shrink up to nothing. this myth is derived from insulin use. when you inject insulin post workout you need to drink a dex shake to prevent hypo, that is why kids think you need protein right after

 

[muskate]

It's very important. You hear about this 'post workout anabolic window' and that's kind of over blown to sell supplements but it's very true that the sooner you can eat after your workout - the better.

Your body is most inclined to absorb nutrients post workout. Your glycogen levels are depleted and insulin sensivity is high. The faster you can get food in, the faster you start the recovery and muscle building process.

Just think about it logically. It makes the most sense to eat the most food pre and post workout.

 

[SteveMobsterG]

It's the difference between essential and optimal. You're neither going to die or obviously lose muscle if it takes an hour or so to go eat. However, it's good practice to get some in in what is called the 'window of opportunity'. These small and in and of themselves unimportant habits all add up a 1/2 percent at a time. Do enough of these small things for FKIN years and they add up. And that is how you get to kick ass over the other gym members who gave up after a few months. The secret to success (keep it between us ha ha).

 

[MasonicBodybuilder]

Your body is constantly repairing the muscle you break down. It does not complete this task in a magical 30 minute window where if you don't get food you lose gains. Just relax, drive home, and have a good meal.

 

[Lev Butlerov]

The truth is somewhere in the middle. Indeed, you need to eat after a workout in order to get properly recovered and feed your body. However, not to such an extreme where you will run for a protein shake as soon as you drop the last barbell of your workout. It is completely fine to get back home, and eat there after training.