How long to wait between eating and exercise?

[KarenG. 0]

How long should I be waiting before I go running or to a spinning class? I am finding scheduling a challenge - particularly when I workout in the morning. Also a problem if I wait to eat until after exercising, then I have to wait to drink so I feel like I may not be getting as much Water as I should be after an intense (sweaty) workout. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[Jachut 487]

I seem to be in the minority in that I can run on a full stomach - I often have dinner and 20 minutes, half an hour later head out for a run. I've met virtually nobody else that says they can do this, but it doesnt worry me at all.

[jmarruda 22]

I would have to agree with jachut, I usually eat and then about 30 minutes later am able to run or spin. If I have an early morning workout, I find the best thing to do is grab a Protein Shake. I can't physically eat something in the morning, but I definately have to have something in my stomach, and I'm usually not a Protein Drink person, but whenever I have to get going in the morning thats the only way.

[Fathead 0]

I would wait at least an hour before you excercise. When you eat you get a blood rush to your stomach for the absorbed food. Also remember to get some Protein in within 30 minutes of finishing your work out. This will help your body repair any damage that occured in the excercise. Specifically the microtears that happen in your muscles.

[Jachut 487]

- and they're saying now that the VERY best thing to eat after exercise is milk. Apparently milk has the perfect blend of protein/carbs for recovery and studies have shown that those that consume milk gain the most muscle.

Far from proven of course, but interesting to google.

[KarenG. 0]

Thanks guys - I could do milk.

[Chickie 15]

I try to wait at least an hour.