To walk and/run before or after a meal? For right this moment I am doing it before lunch. But once school starts the times my change for late morning to early morning and I was wondering if before or after a meal is better. And also how long before or after is ok. Like is it 30 before or 30 minutes after.
I don't think it's entirely important weight-loss-wise. I've always thought that people placed too much importance on the timing of foods and exercise; what's important IMO is that you get that exercise in! Wherever it fits into your schedule best (and the time when you'll be able to put the most effort into it) is probably your best bet!
Personally, I try to exercise after a light meal or snack. That way, I don't feel like I'm going to pass out mid work-out, and I'm not distracted by a rumbling tummy! But a big meal can make me feel heavy and tired, so I usually try to avoid strenuous workouts afterwards (although a nice long walk seems to work well any time of day!). But again, whatever works best for your schedule and your body
Yep, it doesn't matter weight-loss wise. But running right after a meal (unless it's just a snack) can become quite a problem. About one third of our energy goes into digesting food, so in the 1.5-2 hours directly following a meal, you may very well find yourself heavy and doing quite poorly performance-wise. (I remember the one time I ran after a meal that was neither too big nor very small; I had to stop after 5 minutes, else my coffee and said meal would've ended up on the pavement nearby.) Of course, if you manage to do it, all the power to you. But just be aware that feeling tired or even sick are very possible side-effects.
I was always told to eat something small (no more than a couple hundred calories) 1 hour before working out and again 1 hour after working out. Your body needs fuel after a workout too! I usually pick something with lots of protein.
I know its better to eat after a weights workout, to help your muscles, but in regards to before or after its generally easier to eat your meal afterwords. I'm on a five hour eating plan (I only eat every five hours) and I can have lunch, finish work, do a full hour of exercise without having eaten for five hours. Its not that hard.
Personally I like to workout before breakfast. It I get ready and go out first thing in the morning I can get in my run before my appetite "wakes up" for the morning and I don't have problems with feeling hungry. If I dawdle too long in the mornings (usually on the weekends) I have a small carbohydrate snack to before I go out to keep from feeling starving. You may just have to experiment and see what is right for you.
If it's just moderate exercies, I can do it either way, but if I'm doing vigorous exercise I tend to get really nauseous if I've eaten anything before, so be cautious as you experiment.
I was always told to eat something small (no more than a couple hundred calories) 1 hour before working out and again 1 hour after working out. Your body needs fuel after a workout too! I usually pick something with lots of protein.
i fully agree. i eat a clif bar before i work out, and i burn that away COMPLETELY. after i work out im always hungry, and generally eat some sort of light lunch. i notice it makes me feel 100% better than if i dont eat before/after.
as far as weight loss, theres no impact. youre burning the calories whether youve eaten or not.
I generally eat only a small snack (energy bar, handful of nuts, or a whole fruit) before a run, to keep my energy going. I have run shortly after a full meal before, and believe me, it was NOT pleasant to stomach cramp throughout half the run.
However, if you have to run after a meal - I'd say wait at least half an hour before doing so.
Is it better....
But just be aware that feeling tired or even sick are very possible side-effects.
