Community » Get Advice » Exercise and Fitness » Advice needed: What do you eat before and after a workout?

First of all, if you are happy with your energy level during and after your workouts and happy with the results you are getting and aren't plateuing then don't worry about any of this - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Everyone's body is different and what is crucial for one person may be absolutely unnecessary for another.

That said, here's what I do: I drink a protein shake during my drive in to the gym. During my workout I drive between 32 and 64 oz of water. Then after my workout I stretch, sit in the sauna for a while, then drive home. As soon as I get home I eat a quick meal w/ at least 1 protein and at least one fruit or vegetable. That combo is not any different for that meal than for any other (including my shake) - I do this 6 times a day - so I'm eating every 2-3 hours, my body is always fueled and in high metabolism mode, but the pre-workout shake is quickly digested (so doesn't bother my stomach during my workout) and is higher in protein than most other meals which helps with my energy and muscle recovery. I make my own shakes, currently I'm doing a banana, about a cup of skim milk, a scoop of organic all-natural protein (SunWarrior brand, rice based), about 4 oz of silken tofu, and about 1/2 cup frozen fruit...all blended up...three different proteins in one shake. I am personally not a fan of protein bars - I don't eat anything that's processed, has added sugars or chemicals or transfats and it's hard as the dickens to find a protein bar that meets that criteria. I eat like that because I feel a LOT better, have more energy, and am leaner even high high calorie consumption than when I include processed foods in my diet.

This fitness advice is fantastic, and now I know what I should eat before going to my gym session in the morning. I think if I eat sand fleas after the gym session, I should be good. What do you say?