Expert: Linda Erwin, M.S. - 2/2/2005

Question
Linda Erwin:
Hi! This is Carolyn Furr, and I am writing a myth-buster article on the importance of eating a meal within 30 minutes of exercise rather than before the work out. I am finidng lots of information regarding the importance of glycogen-replenishment; however, I have an idea in mind that after exercise, all systems are at max and food is digested more quickly (to give a quick summary, fat calories are burned faster rather than sticking around for awhile). If you could offer any information regarding this idea to either prove or disprove my theory, or offer any other information about the importance of the post-exercise meal, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much for your time!
Carolyn Furr

Answer
First of all, eating before exercise will compete with digestion of food and cause gastric distress of discomfort.  I am not an exercise physiologist or a M.D. so I can't really answer your question.  All I have ever been taught is to eat within 30 minutes after intense exercise to replace glycogen that is lost.  After an aerobic workout, it is known that most people's metabolism is burning at a slightly higher rate.  Metabolism and digestion are 2 different processes so I don't believe your theory is accurate.
It's like people who eat alot and then go to the gym to burn it off.  It just doesn't work that way.  My suggestion is for you to speak to an Endocrinologist who specializes in metabolisms, etc.  They would be able to explain it and give you accurate information.
Good luck!
Linda