Fitness Nutrition | How to Control your Post Workout Cravings

April 6, 2023

Are you one of those people who experience intense hunger after an intense workout session? Do you feel like all your hard work at the gym goes down the drain when you consume more calories than you burned during your workout? If you’re trying to lose weight, post-workout cravings can be a frustrating obstacle to overcome. But fear not, understanding the science behind exercise and hunger can help you navigate post-workout hunger and achieve your weight loss goals.

Why Does Exercise Increase Hunger?

Research on the effects of exercise on hunger has yielded conflicting results. Some studies suggest that exercise suppresses hunger, while others indicate that it increases appetite. One explanation for this discrepancy is that the intensity and duration of the workout play a significant role in the impact on hunger.

When you exercise, your body burns calories to fuel the physical activity. Depending on the intensity and duration of the workout, your body may use up stored glycogen or fat as a source of energy. As your body depletes its energy stores, it signals hunger hormones, such as ghrelin, to stimulate your appetite. Intense workouts, in particular, can deplete your glycogen stores, leading to an increase in hunger.

Additionally, strenuous exercise can also cause micro-tears in your muscle fibers, which require repair and rebuilding. This process of muscle recovery and repair demands more energy, leading to increased hunger. Furthermore, psychological factors such as boredom, stress, and habit may also contribute to post-workout cravings.

How to Manage Post-Workout Cravings

While it’s natural to experience some degree of hunger after exercise, it’s essential to manage your post-workout cravings to avoid consuming excess calories that can sabotage your weight loss goals. Here are some tips to help you manage post-workout cravings:

Plan Your Post-Workout Meals

Preparing your post-workout meals in advance can help you avoid binging on unhealthy snacks. Choose nutritious, protein-rich foods that will keep you satisfied and help repair and rebuild your muscles. Avoid processed foods that encourage excess body fat.

Pay Attention to Your Hunger: Listen to your body and recognize when you’re genuinely hungry or just craving something. If you feel ravenous and out of control, you may need to adjust the intensity of your workout or consume more calories during your pre-workout meal.

Drink More Water: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy body weight. Drinking water can help suppress your appetite, reduce cravings, and support your body’s recovery process. Keep a sports bottle with you during your workout and drink water before, during, and after your workout.

Consume Fewer Calories: If you’re trying to lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. Use an online calorie calculator to determine how many calories you need to maintain your body weight, and reduce your calorie intake accordingly. Be sure to consume enough calories to support your body’s basic metabolic functions, even when you’re cutting weight.

Eat a Filling Pre-Workout Meal: A satisfying pre-workout meal can help reduce post-workout cravings. Choose foods that are rich in protein and low in glycemic index (GI) carbs, such as eggs, whole-grain toast, and avocado. Avoid high-GI carbs that can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, leading to an increase in hunger.

Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand: Keeping healthy snacks such as protein bars, nuts, or fruit in your gym bag can help you avoid the temptation to grab a quick, unhealthy snack on the go. These snacks can provide the energy and nutrients you need to fuel your body after an intense workout.

Consider Workout Supplements and Dietary Supplements: Certain supplements, such as whey protein powder or BCAAs, can help support muscle recovery and reduce post-work

What are some healthy post-workout snacks?

If you're looking to control your post-workout cravings while still refuelling your body, here are some healthy snack ideas:

Greek yogurt with fresh berries: Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and helps keep you feeling full. Top it with some fresh berries for a burst of antioxidants and flavor.

Apple slices with almond butter: Apples are a great source of fiber and are low in calories, while almond butter is high in protein and healthy fats, making this a satisfying and nutritious snack.

Hard-boiled eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of protein and other essential nutrients, making them a great post-workout snack. Hard-boiled eggs are easy to prepare in advance and can be eaten on the go.

Hummus and vegetable sticks: Hummus is a great source of protein and healthy fats, while vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers are high in fiber and low in calories.

Protein shake: A protein shake is an easy way to refuel your muscles after a workout. Look for a high-quality protein powder and mix it with water or unsweetened almond milk for a low-calorie option.

What about workout supplements?

While dietary supplements can be a helpful addition to a healthy diet and exercise routine, they should not be relied upon as the sole solution for weight loss or muscle gain.

When it comes to post-workout supplements, it's essential to be mindful of how many calories and added sugars they contain. Some protein bars and shakes can be high in calories and carbohydrates, which may not be ideal if you're trying to consume fewer calories.

It's always best to get your nutrients from whole foods whenever possible. However, if you do choose to use supplements, look for those with minimal added sugars and calories and choose ones that are free from artificial flavors and preservatives.

Conclusion

It's normal to experience post-workout cravings, but it's essential to manage them in a healthy way to avoid consuming excess calories that can encourage excess body fat.

Make sure you're eating enough calories throughout the day and paying attention to your hunger levels after exercise.

Choose healthy snacks like Greek yogurt with fresh berries or apple slices with almond butter to refuel your body without consuming too many calories.

Lastly, be mindful of the supplements you use, and aim for those with minimal added sugars and calories. With the right strategies in place, you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy post-workout snack without sabotaging your weight loss efforts.

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Fitness Nutrition | How to Control your Post Workout Cravings