Pre / post workout meals

[Elechdub]

I'm wondering about the pre and post workout meals and whether I need to add those into my diet. Here's tonight's workout:

- approx 30 minutes of weight lifting (legs and glutes), mostly freeweights

- 30 minutes of running (starting the couch to 5k, so it involves a lot of walking)

This doesn't seem high intensity so I'm not sure if I should just skip the pre and post meals or not. Help?

ETA: my goal is to lose body fat so I'm not looking to gain weight here.

[Keri W.]

Well, it really depends on how much you eat during your regular meals...and how your body feels. I personally don't eat a pre or post work out meal...but my lunch time is usually an hour after working out. I eat plenty at my meals and feel great...and I'm losing weight. Just pay attention to how you feel and make sure you eat enough during each meal.

[Tom Denham]

I almost did not take a can of sardines to the gym with me today because I planned to exercise just 30 minutes. I actually worked 35 or 40 minutes, but I don't think the extra time was important. I was starved at the end of my workout. I did backsquats, deadlifts, pullups, kettlebell swings and snatches, pushups, and situps. I am so glad I had a post-workout meal. Driving home hungry would have messed up my recovery.

[Elechdub]

Thanks for responding! My gym time ends up being about 6 hours after I eat lunch and I have dinner right after. I dunno if I can eat any more than that because of how late it would be -- I go to bed at 9:30. I ate a handful of almonds pre workout because I did get super hungry. It didn't hold me over well. I was weak and tired the whole time. I'm hoping it'll be better tomorrow but wonder if I should eat something more before heading to the gym.

[melbournegirl]

I mainly do early morning workouts. Now that I am not constantly snacking at night, I find it helpful to have something before my workout like some nuts or a boiled egg, sometimes a glass of tomato juice as well. My breakfast after is sometimes a bit smaller so I am often eating the same but splitting it. I have NEVER ever eaten before an early workout prior to whole30, even when pregnant. But I do now because I think I need it and I am losing weight anyway and this ensures a good workout and an optimal recovery!

I also have an afternoon snack if I am going for a run before dinner.

Finally found some baby food vegetable sachets I can have (no onion) which I will take to work as an emergency Pre WO snack with a few nuts!