Post-Workout Meals and/or Snacks

[Division56]

I have been considering the addition of some unprocessed carbs to my diet within an hour or so after my workouts. I generally feel very tired and sometimes get headaches post-workout, and I heard that adding in some carbs immediately before that point can be helpful.

Not sure exactly what, but I was thinking of the Atkins morning bars, something with granola in it or anything else along those lines.

Does anyone else experience this? Any suggestions for diet modification?

[julirama723]

Re: Post-Workout Meals and/or Snacks

You don't have to do that.

Carbs are metabolised the quickest of the three fuel sources. Fat and protein take a little bit longer, about 2 hours to digest, but would be more beneficial to you for a workout, as they are "longer-burning" fuels. They're more slowly metabolised and don't cause blood sugar spikes like carbs do.

I make sure to eat 2-3 hours before hand, something small like a piece of cheese or 1oz. of almonds, perhaps an apple with peanut butter (I'm on Rung 9 of OWL) and this gives me enough energy for even the most strenuous of workouts, like a running warmup and boot camp class, or for an 8-mile distance run.

If you are tired and have headaches post-workout, you're most likely dehydrated. Make sure you're drinking more than the minimum amount of water and that you rehydrate BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the workout.

As for atkins bars, they have ingredients that usually aren't legal until the higher rungs of OWL, and they stall many people. Granola would not be legal until rung 9 of OWL.

[ValidRouge]

Re: Post-Workout Meals and/or Snacks

I agree that the headache sounds more like dehydration. Also, protein is a better food source for recovery after exercise than carbohydrate. (Think of all the protein shakes that get pushed by gyms and healthfood stores). Now, while I do use whey protein (on the appropriate rung of OWL), it really isn't necessary as cheese or a meat source or eggs will provide the same benefit. If you are really after carbohydrate for a pre-workout snack, have some of your veggies with a fat source (like cream cheese or ranch dressing).