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Diane S.
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 73

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# Posted: 9 Jan 2008 17:40


I've been doing some research on what a good post-workout meal should be. The common theme seems to be a combination of protein and carbs. I want to maximize the benefits of the workout by feeding my body the correct foods. Does anyone have any experience on what kinds of foods (or combinations) work well for them? For example, would eating a banana suffice? Or is eating a piece of boiled chicken better.

Diane


Dean Grimshawe
Fitness Guru
Posts: 1182

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# Posted: 9 Jan 2008 17:47


This is a good question and varies from person to person.

I've always favoured drinking a liquid replacement within 20 mins of training and a good solid meal about an hour after that. This isn't just for muscle building purposes but for replenishment so that I recover strongly and avoid symptoms of over training and deteriation of the body.

When I say liquid replacement, I literally chow down a protein drink with some simple carbs in. Sometimes I literally mix glucose powder in though replacing the glucose with a banana would work. The only reason I avoid solid food immediatel after training is a) I want to good nutrients in fast to activate recovery and b) I don't know if I could really stomach solids too soon after training hard.

I then plan a proper healthy meal about an hour after the drink. Then I chill out and have a long nights kip, awaking refreshed.

Of course, my plan is in line with an evening workout and is just the way I do it. Hope my answer helps.


Dave Nicholson
The Master
Posts: 2094

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# Posted: 9 Jan 2008 17:55


I tend to do pretty much the same as Dean, and it has worked well for me.

Post any weight training workout, I am mixing a protein drink before I even leave the gym. Sometimes I will add a little gatorade powder to that for the extra carbs (it may sound terrible, but chocolate protein powder w/ lemon-lime gatorade is uniquely delicious). Then, once I'm home and showered I make a more balanced meal, heavy on the protein, and start winding down for bed!


Diane S.
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 73

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# Posted: 9 Jan 2008 18:18


Great feedback thanks. I'm going to try the protein drink while driving home from the gym. I'm usually starving by the time I get home and probably don't make the correct food choices. I know me... if I can get past the hunger, I'm more likely to not grab the first thing I see when I get home.


Justin L
traineo Newbie
Posts: 9

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# Posted: 9 Jan 2008 18:35


I'll usually avoid something solid right after the gym as well. Protein shakes are good and on occasion I'll even blend in some raw oatmeal too. Doing this also helps me avoid wanting to scarf food down a few hours later. Dietary fiber (like oatmeal) quelches hunger to a certain degree and also makes your body use more energy when breaking it down. I can't explain enough how much this helped me get used to smaller portions early in my dieting.

-J


Diane S.
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 73

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# Posted: 9 Jan 2008 19:17


Thanks Justin (great picture btw.. I am a big fan of oatmeal. it is the only thing that I can eat for breakfast that stays with me and that I feel full until lunch...hmmm raw oatmeal in a protein shake - good idea.


Drew Bates
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 129

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# Posted: 9 Jan 2008 21:41


my favorite post-workout meal is 25g whey, banana/apple and a 6oz salmon filet. SO satisfying.


Glovia L
Fitness Guru
Posts: 833

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# Posted: 10 Jan 2008 06:53


My favorite post-workout meal is a bowl of crunch cereal with soy milk and grapefruit. I normally sit down to enjoy them. And, also think about what/how I have run. It is an enjoyable moment to me.

But, my workout is running. It is more cardio than weight training. The "requirements" or "needs" of post workout meal can be different.


Spyke M
Fitness Guru
Posts: 387

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# Posted: 10 Jan 2008 13:59


Ummm, until now it's been a bottle of water and maybe an apple - but after reading everyone's answer to this thread I'm beginning to get the suspicion that I'm somewhere out in left field...


Rachael M
The Master
Posts: 2316

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# Posted: 10 Jan 2008 14:12


I usually just eat dinner like 30 minutes after my work out. I feel like Spyke. Maybe I'm way off.


Diane S.
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 73

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# Posted: 10 Jan 2008 17:20


For me it's not wanting to over eat as well as maximizing the effects of my workout. My workouts are either cardio or 1 hour and 15 min of kickboxing. I started researching this because I felt my body was "missing" some kind of nutrients after a workout. I definately re-hydrate with water during and after workouts. I'm going to give the protein shakes a try and see if I feel/see a difference.


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