Exercising can help you get in better shape and burn calories. But you may have noticed that since you’ve been more active, you’ve also been hungrier. Does exercise increase your appetite? Here’s what you should know about the connection between hunger and exercise.
Exercise & Hunger
During a workout, you probably won’t feel hungry because you’re too busy focusing on your workout. While you’re working out, your appetite stays suppressed and it continues for a bit when your workout is over. How long your hunger is suppressed relates to the intensity and duration of your exercise with more intense workouts resulting in holding of your hunger longer.
What are Your Goals?
Regardless of if you’re working out for weight loss or performance, it’s essential to eat after a workout to help your body refuel. If you’re building muscles, you need nutrients after a workout session to make progress. It’s essential to take in protein for muscle recovery and repair and carbohydrates to replenish glycogen.
Post-Workout Nutrition
For intense workouts, it’s important to eat a snack or meal not long after completion, regardless of if you feel hungry. You’ll notice that for a little while after your exercise you won’t feel hungry, but a few hours later you’ll be starving. When this happens, it’s important to make healthy food choices, so your progress doesn’t go to waste.
