Feeding the BEAST!

It never fails...after a really intense workout, you're starving like a pig!  You're grabbing the first piece of food that crosses your path, without any regard for how bad it might be for you at the time.  I personally crave nothing but carbs...sweet carbs.

Here are a few simple ways that I've found that helped me cut my post-workout binges.

1. Eat a snack - have a small snack right after you finish a workout.  Giving your body a little something helps keep it from craving your entire fridge.  Your snack should have carbs and protein and should be about 200 calories.  I usually grab a smoothie with a scoop of protein powder.
2. Try to eat every 3-4 hours - regular snacking helps keep a steady blood sugar level. 
3. Don't create a rewards system - ...Not with food anyway.  We've all said that at some point after a really amazing workout, we'll reward ourselves with a big meal or some sort of treat.  At that point, you're probably eating more calories than you've burned in the gym.  Don't grab a meal with the mindset of eating just because you can.  Eat normal portions and wait a few minutes after you've finished eating.  If you're still hungry, grab a little more.
4. WATER!!! - A lot of times, when you feel like you're hungry, you're not.  You're just dehydrated. Your brain can't always tell the difference.  Drink water before, during, and after a workout to help cut back on some of these hunger pains.
5. Protein is your friend - Ingesting protein after a workout not only helps build lean muscle mass, but also cuts hunger cravings.  Learn to incorporate protein in some form at each meal.
6. Fiber is your friend too - fiber is a bulky nutrient that's good for your digestive system. Because it's bulky, it also fills you up with less calories. I've learned to grab fruit and whole grains for post-workout snacks. 

Contact: Tabitha Artis

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