[Diva]

I always exercise first thing in the morning before I eat or anything so I am starving afterwards. I may start working soon, which mean's my exercise time is going to change, so I dunno how that'll effect my appetite. I am hoping to still have enough energy to work out as soon as I get home and eat dinner afterwards, but I can't predict the future, so who knows.

[Sheila53]

Originally Posted by ennay

...it is important to eat within 30 minutes of exercising...

This is the advice I got from my trainer so I normally follow this, although sometimes it's more like an hour before I eat. I also read an article about the post-workout meal being the most important, and the meal should contain protein, good carb and healthy fat.

[witchyonadiet]

Oh yeah - major munchies - what I do:

1) guzzle water - sometimes when you think you are hungry you are really thirsty

2) sliced apple and a light string cheese - eat slowly

3) track the calories you are burning and then when you look at the calorie info on what you are about to consume - you'll realize how much work it is to burn it off

[BlueToBlue]

I'm always hungry and I always have a snack (or meal, depending on when I finish my workout) after working out. I plan for it in my calories for the day. Lately I have been trying to make sure it includes a protein. As others have noted, I've read and my trainer has told me that your metabolism is more efficient after exercising, so this is a good time to eat.

I also make sure I drink 16 to 20 oz of no-calorie, non-carbonated beverage (usually Crystal Light) with my post-workout snack. I would be better if I drank plain water, but I really don't like it. I drink plain water with my lunch and my reward for doing so is that I don't have to drink it plain the rest of the day.