Is there a difference in weght loss if you eat first and then work out, or workout first and then eat?

Question

Which is better if you want to loose weight?

Answer 1

The main difference is that if you don't eat before, you will run out of energy and not be able to have an efficient workout. You shouldn't exercise on empty. However, you should eat before and after you exercise, but something small and nutritious. About 30 minutes to an hour before you eat, you should drink at least 8 oz of water and have a small meal that contains both slow acting and fast acting carbohydrates. For example, a small boal of oatmeal (slow acting carbs) and a banana (fast acting). Or a piece of whole grain toast and a piece of fruit. Don't forget the water! It's been proven that people who drink water before and during exercise, workout more efficiently and get tired less easily. During your workout keep a bottle of water with you and take small sips throughout. After you workout have another big glass of water and a small meal. It's been noted that people who eat immediately after exercise are less likely to overeat than someone who waits several hours, and is then starving. Also, many people get light headed or have a sugar low after exercising, so it's important to refuel your body with a granola bar and some low fat yogurt (or soy yogurt if you're veggie) or a small handful of nuts and a piece of fruit. Also, it's a good idea to have this snack soon after you exercise (before you shower) because heading straight into a hot shower with your blood pumping has been shown to have negative side effects. Take a minute after you cool down to rest, drink more water, and have a small healthy snack. Good luck!

Answer 2

You should do both. Have a meal 2-4 hours before exercising or a snack 1-2 hours before. Then, have something to eat within the hour after exercising. The meals and snacks should contain carbohydrates, some protein and a small amount of fat.

The reason is that your body needs energy in order to fuel the exercise, carbohydrates are the best source of energy. Your body also needs energy to burn fat, and it needs energy to repair muscles once the exercise is completed, preferably some carbohydrates within the hour.

You need to watch your total calorie consumption, and make sure to consume fewer calories than you burn each day to lose weight But it is important to have adequate nutrition both before and after exercise or you won't achieve you weight loss goal.

For more fitness and health information see my weblog listed below.

Cary Raffle, MS, CPT

Answer 3

Work out first! If you eat first - then your body will use the sugar you just consumed for energy to get you through the workout. Instead, make sure you exercise at least 4 hours after eating. That way your body will look to stored sugar to create energy.

Answer 4

work out first . but you can eat fruit or something that will give you energy and is not fattening,
eating a lot /fatty /heavy foods will only slow you down and make you lazy.after your work out eat light foods also.
you need energy to do better and have stamina so eat light before.if you are hungry.
the less fatty/heavy foods eaten at anytime will help you lose weight faster .
drinking water/juice/energy drinks may be enough . depends on your body. instead of eating first.