Expert: Laura Kraemer RN,BSN,CPN - 10/26/2009

Question
Hi there!

I would like to ask you:
Is it true that eating right after exercising will slow down or halt post-exercise effect on our body?

On a daily basis, whenever possible, I will exercise at least once or twice if possible for at least an hour every session comprising or jogging and walking for an approximate distance of 5KMs to 7KMs or until I am sweating profusely or exhausted.

The question is, right after exercising I tend to eat although I am not hungry! My meals usually consist of - half plate of rice, fish, potato, cabbage and drinks are either soya milk or tea. That is my full course meal.

Do you think what I eat right after exercise is unhealthy and will stop me from burning fat and maintain some muscles that I have? Many thanks in advance for helping out!

Answer
Dear Michael, Eating after exercise, in my opinion will not slow down the effect of exercise on the body. Exercise stimulates muscle cells to regenerate themselves, eating should have no effect on that. Eating after exercise restores the stored energy supply. If you didn't eat after exercise, obviously you would burn more fat. The body prefers to use carbohydrate from a food source for it's energy source. If the foods not there, it will break down fat and muscle to restore itself. So, a snack or meal after exercise it not a bad thing. Hope that helps, Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com