Gym Question

Hi Mike, I just had an orientation session with the trainer to my gym (I recently joined, too).  She recommends complex carbs before the workout (to the extent we can have them) and protein afterwards. CB

Carbs are fuel for energy and protein builds muscle so a few good complex carbs (fruit, banana) 30-60 minutes prior to your workout and good lean protein after the workout which is when your body is rebuilding muscle. Carbs actually help the body process protein so a piece of fruit / veggie post-workout is good as well. That said, most of us don't push our bodies to the point of depleting our carb stores when we exercise and end up eating more calories before we exercise than we burn up. The same can be said on the protein thing -- most of us don't exercise so hard that we're breaking down the muscles to the point that eating a bunch of protein after a workout is that big a deal. All this energy drink, workout bars, etc. is a bunch of crap for the vast majority of people who aren't pushing their body to the brink during their workouts. So, I just eat healthy throughout the day and don't worry about the before/after thing unless I'm going on a 50 mile or so intense bike ride.   Boner 

I eat a banana before my workout at 5:30 AM and I have a protein shake after. I like the arrangement.