Do I eat after? If so, what do I eat after my grueling workout?

MOST gym-goers will perform cardio at too strenuous a pace in the hopes of speedily stripping the body of fat. In the myth of doing such, they leave the gym ravenous and thusly crave and indulge in high-glycemic (sugar) items and end up storing more bodyfat than they had previous.

If you have just performed cardio (at a moderate pace) wait an hour or so until eating so as to continue the fat-burning process.

If you have just performed weight training and then cardio (better idea – for you not only burn bodyfat, you will harden the muscle tissue as well) eat within a half hour so as to immediately begin the muscle repair process. Remember that weight training causes micro tears to the muscle and it is through proper nutrition and rest that the muscle repairs itself.

BUT WHAT TO EAT?

The good news is it is at this time (post-workout) that the day’s highest allotment of sugar can and should be consumed. GREAT – STARBUCKS here I come! Not so fast. I’m not talking about high caloric frappacinos or any other such evil. Naturally occurring sugar such as that found in fruit, in moderation, coupled with whey protein, a pre-digested complete protein far superior to that of soy, is the ticket to instant energy and fast-tracking to muscle repair.

I might still limit milk and other such dairy products as many persons are unable to efficiently process such items. Keep in mind what goes into your post-workout shake at the gym. Those specialty drinks that have cute names and titles are often riddled with more crap than our current president. Be warned!

And if you have not yet read my 2008 Mr. Olympia report, get on it!