Does intense exercise increase your appetite?

[diyana]

Hi -

I've recently been increasing the length and intensity of my workouts, and I've been experiencing a huge increase in my appetite. I always eat a little before working out...but I'm still super hungry when I'm finished. I don't notice it when I do 1/2 hour of cardio (usually Zumba), but if I do an hour of Zumba or add in 1/2 hour or more of strength training....I'm STARVING! I'm worried about defeating the purpose (in other words, eating more and therefore not losing weight as quickly).

Does this happen to anyone else? Or should I just ignore my physical hunger signals?

Thanks,

[Aubrey87]

This certainly happens to me! Making sure you're not eating back all the calories you just burnt is hard. I try to have a little snack before then eat my supper after the gym.. if you're still starving try an additional banana with a tbsp of PB or something along those lines, healthy and filling! hope this helps!

[Ilene]

It's actually VERY important to eat after a workout.... Eating before a workout gives you the energy to do the workout, eating after a workout will feed your muscles of the much needed nutrients the muscles have been depleted of... So eat after a workout it will not negate any of the hard work you have done... But eat a good lean protein and a carb, something healthy

[diyana]

Thanks for the tips, ladies! I really appreciate it.