After my last post which got a lot of reader comments on whether or not "working out makes you hungrier," I wanted to make sure an important point was made on post workout nutrition.
When I asked you if exercising made you hungrier I should have been more clear since I didn't want to insinuate that you should not be hungry after exercising. I make this distinction because I want you to know that it is normal to be hungry within an hour of exercising. Your body has burned fuel and is looking to recharge. This is perfectly natural and you should consume a complete protein and carbohydrate meal shortly after working out. This post workout meal will allow you to recover faster from your workouts and make sure your energy levels don’t drop.
This post workout meal is also not a bad thing and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to consume more calories for the day. If you factor your post workout meal as your typical breakfast, lunch, or dinner you will not consume any more calories than normal and this will hopefully allow your workout expenditure to take effect in your weight loss efforts. Lastly, if you use a protein shake after your workout and then have a meal in an hour after that, you should still be fine as well since you will just count your shake as one of your small snacks for the day.
I hope this clears up a little of the post workout hunger issue and that it’s normal to want to eat after you exercise!