Everyday Systems

I've read recently that after working out, it's necessary to consume food and/or drink to help muscles rebuild. Does that mean that a person should eat one of the three allotted meals after a workout, or is there another way to meet this requirement?

I'd say, No, it doesn't. That's kind of a myth, not a "requirement." You could time your workouts to just before meals if you want--but in the old days, people did physical labor all day but still only ate when it was mealtime.

From what I've read, the only time you need to do that is if you are working out strenuously for more than an hour. And even then you could get by with a drink such as chocolate milk or protein drink or sports drink.

JayEll wrote:I'd say, No, it doesn't. That's kind of a myth, not a "requirement." You could time your workouts to just before meals if you want--but in the old days, people did physical labor all day but still only ate when it was mealtime.

I agree.

I've read where some pundits declared that you should wait at least three hours after your workout before eating because your fasted state will promote creation of fat burning growth hormone.

There is always a million contradictory studies that claim to prove the ultimate truth. In reality, nobody really has the ultimate truth. When I was in high school, one year I had physical education the first class after lunch and, contrary to studies, neither I or any or my classmates suffered any harmful effects.

I think it is more important to maintain your eating schedule to create unconscious habit rather than eating around your workout.

Thank you, everyone, for the advice! There really is lots of contradictory information out there. It's tough to figure out what's legit and what's not.

No S and the workout recommendations are not meant to be the foundation for losing the most weight possible or building the most muscle possible, etc. It's all a way just to incorporate reasonable habits of moderate eating and fitness. It's optimum is in its sustainability.

oolala53 wrote:No S and the workout recommendations are not meant to be the foundation for losing the most weight possible or building the most muscle possible, etc. It's all a way just to incorporate reasonable habits of moderate eating and fitness. It's optimum is in its sustainability.

This. The milliscrunch tweaking that world class body type competitors, or world-class athletes need have almost nothing to do with the needs of a non-athlete going about his or her day.

You're not training for the Olympics and you're not a figure competitor, I'm guessing.

@ Oolala53: You're right. I guess I'm putting the cart way before the horse.

@ NoelFigart: I totally am. Look for me in the upcoming Olympics. I'm just kidding. I'm no athlete, though I would like to be toned. I have the upper body strength of a kitten.

ruamgirl wrote:@ NoelFigart: I totally am. Look for me in the upcoming Olympics. I'm just kidding. I'm no athlete, though I would like to be toned. I have the upper body strength of a kitten.

TONED? TONED????

*runs around in a circle beating her head with her palms before curling into a ball sucking her thumb and whimpering*

(Being facetious. Honest.)

I get what you mean, mind. But "toned" is a myth. Either you're putting on muscle or you're not.

If you haven't tried Shovelglove, I gotta recommend it for putting on upper body strength.

"I get what you mean, mind. But "toned" is a myth. Either you're putting on muscle or you're not. "

Exactly! To look toned you just need to lose weight for the muscle to show. Not too much though. You don't want to look like a concentration camp survivor.

You need to lose FAT for the muscle to show.

Once again, do the basics for a month or so. Then re-evaluate.

*hangs head in shame* It seems like everything I say on here is seriously dumb. Sorry, everyone.

ruamgirl wrote:*hangs head in shame* It seems like everything I say on here is seriously dumb. Sorry, everyone.

You're not being stupid. Honest. I meant to be absurd and silly; and I am very sorry that I hurt your feelings. I hope you'll forgive me.

NoelFigart wrote:

ruamgirl wrote:*hangs head in shame* It seems like everything I say on here is seriously dumb. Sorry, everyone.

You're not being stupid. Honest. I meant to be absurd and silly; and I am very sorry that I hurt your feelings. I hope you'll forgive me.

You didn't hurt my feelings at all. I just felt like a moron. No forgiveness necessary.