[bunnythesAINT]

Okay so I've been exercising a bit for a while, 30 mins at least, but I only have time right after school to do it, so before dinner. The thing is, I feel totally crappy eating dinner after exercising (it's not like RIGHT after, it'd be hours after but even still I feel awful). I feel like I'm totally just messing everything up, and I know I have to eat but I just feel like I'm...messing all the exercise I did by eating dinner after, no matter how controlled it is. I mean I think I'd feel like this anytime I do it really.
Does anybody else feel this way? I don't know how to shake that problem?

[bensempress]

If you make the most of your workout then you need to feed your body, so remind yourself of this. As long as your dinner choices are healthy then it's a matter of telling yourself that it's just as necessary as the exercise is!

Edited to say: Enjoy it too! I never eat a meal if I'm not going to enjoy so make your post workout meals worth it and make sure you eat something hearty, tasty and satisfying. Hope this helps!

[Mikan]

I think it is better to exercise before eating. This causes the least upset to the stomach. Also, by eating dinner after your feeding your now tired and therefore hungry body. If you did it after dinner you might crave something else and then ruin your diet. I don't think this ruins your diet as long as its healthy. Some people say exercise right in the morning before breakfast is best because it burns your energy reserves.

[Katie Bug]

I read this in an article and really liked it: The best time of day to exercise is when you'll do it!

There are many schools of thought about this subject, and from what I've seen, personally, it depends on the person. For example, I cannot exercise in the morning before eating or I will get extremely ill. Also, I find that if I exercise too late in the evening I can't go to sleep well. So, if your schedule allows it, try several times and see what works best for you.

Now, to address the feeling crappy during dinner - is it physiological (does your body feel bad? nausea, etc) or psychological? As long as you're eating a good healthy meal, you're not "messing up" or canceling out the good you've done in your workout. Keep up the good work, and let us know how it goes!

I usually exercise before dinner but I noticed that my appetite is less when I do eat. i tend not to be as hungry so its easier to control my dinner portion. As long as your working out it doesn't really matter what time of day it is you will still benefit even though you eat a hour or 2 after working out.

[bunnythesAINT]

Thank you everyone.
And Katie it's more psychological, the guilt that I feel kind of eating after having worked out. I get what everyone is saying but I still can't shake the feeling of guilt.

[ibcnuldu]

I exercise about an hour or two after dinner. I've tried exercising in the morning and exercising at night has just worked out better for me. I haven't had any problems going to sleep or excessive hunger later. I'd play around with it and see what works for you

[BarbieGyRLXO]

You HAVE to eat after you workout. Literally right after up until about 30-45mins. Your body needs protein to repair the broken down muscles.

Also you can work out whenever, there is no added benefit to working out in the am opposed to the pm.

[ennay]

GUILT BE GONE!

Food is not the evil
Food is not the enemy
We NEED Food to live

The problem is not the exercise, it is treating food like it is a bad thing. Food and exercise are partners, they are not enemies.

The purpose of exercise is not to eliminate food. The purpose is to bring air into your body, to build muscle so we are strong, to strengthen bones, to bring energy to our life. When we exercise we create place in our muscle for more blood to flow. We release hormones that make us feel happy, that release stress, that calm our brains and help us focus. We bring blood and sweat to the skin flushing out toxins and improving circulation.

Food replenishes our bodies. Good food brings protein to build our muscles, glycogen to provide energy, fat to carry vitamins and create hormones. Water to transport. Micronutrients to make our body work and stay healthy.

Exercise to improve the quality of your life, not to lose weight and you will no longer feel guilty for replenishing your body afterwards.

[shortandfluffy]

I was wondering the same thing.. glad you posted this question. I usually exercise when I get home from work, then eat about an hour and a half later.

I am going to try doing it in the morning, but I am just not a morning person. I like my sleep