How to Avoid Overeating Post-Exercise

If you’re like me, you notice how much hungrier you get when you’ve really committed to your exercise routine. (I notice it the most when I train for a race.)

It makes sense – if you’re burning 1,000+ calories running or just getting a good sweat session in – no wonder you’d be hungry! But, the key is to avoid what’s easy to make for dinner and focus on what’s right to eat for dinner.

You’re already keeping slim and trim in the gym, so here are a few helpful do’s and don’ts for staying slim and trim in the kitchen, too:

Do…

Drink plenty of water

When you’re exercising, you should be drinking extra water – that means above and beyond the half-your-bodyweight in ounces recommended.

Try this trick when you’re about to sit down for a meal: stop and drink a full glass of ice cold water. The water will help fill you up and of course hydrate you; the cold temperature will jumpstart your metabolism, as your body has to work a little harder to warm the water up.

Get plenty of sleep

Adults need at least 7 – 8 hours per night, so get ’em in. Also, make sure they’re 7 – 8 uninterrupted hours so that your body can hit its full REM cycle and you’ll wake feeling rested and ready for the day.

Eat every 3-4 hours

Instead of breaking your day into 1-2 large meals, eat smaller portions more often. That way, you’re staying full without overstuffing yourself.

Have protein with every meal

Protein helps you feel full, keeps you feeling full, and helps your muscles rejuvenate after a workout. It’s especially important for us pseudo vegetarians.

Don’t…

(Don’t) Eat after 8pm

Since most of us slow down later at night, by either crashing in front of the TV or just relaxing in general, our metabolism also slows. And that’s a recipe for disaster when you start nibbling on food.

For many of us, eating at night keeps us awake because we’re tired at the end of a long day; or, perhaps we’re simply bored and that hand-to-mouth routine is both comforting and gives you something to do.

Either way, do your best to avoid eating in the late hours of the night. Try have a glass of water or distracting yourself with a book or going to sleep a little early.

(Don’t) Skip the carbs

The good ones, that is. Mix the right serving size of quinoa or brown rice into a least one meal a day. Ideally, that would be lunchtime, so that you’re at the peak of your metabolic speed for the day.

(Don’t) Skip meals

The last thing your body needs when you’re exercising frequently is less food. Cutting calories when you’re training is only going to leave you feeling tired, hungry, and irritable.

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There you have it: my favorite tips for keeping your hunger in check while you’re training. Do you have any tried and true tips to add? Share them in the comments below!