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Nutritionist says you should eat after exercising
Some people may choose not to eat after exercising, thinking that eating would only put back the calories burnt just earlier. A nutritionist debunked the myth, saying that not eating after exercising does not contribute to real weight loss.
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A sports nutritionist has said there is no relationship between weight loss and eating or not eating after exercising. (Shutterstock/fizkes)
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ome people may choose not to eat after exercising, especially after a workout session held at night. One of the common reasons is because they don't want to exercise in vain, thinking eating would only put back the calories burned just earlier. When in fact, a nutritionist has debunked this assumption.
"Most people's way of thinking is: I exercise to burn calories, etc. Even though you may detect weight loss after exercising, it's actually not because fat is reduced, rather, it's because we are dehydrated," sports nutritionist Emilia Elfiranti Achmadi said during an interview in Jakarta recently, as quoted by kompas.com.
Emilia said there was no relationship between weight loss and eating or not eating after exercising. Factors that contribute to weight loss are when someone exercises consistently and at the same time maintains a balanced intake of food.
Read also: Six nutrition-rich foods for fuel prior to exercising
It is recommended to exercise at least once every two days or three times a week. Eating after exercising is not a problem to replace our energy lost afterward, keeping in mind that the portion and type of food meet the requirements of a balanced diet.
It is recommended to consume something that is rich in carbohydrates and protein within 45 minutes after exercising.
Emilia said in that time, our body is performing at its best to process and absorb food. Whereas eating after the 45-minute time frame, the absorption of food would be less than optimal.
"At least drink milk first so there is protein intake. But that's not enough, so, soon afterward you have to eat a proper meal. For example, a pasta bolognese, as there are carbohydrates and meat," she said.
Foods that are anti-inflammatory also need to be consumed after exercising. Moreover, the level of inflammation of someone who regularly exercises would be higher than those who rarely exercise.
Healthy fat is considered effective to help with inflammation. Some foods with healthy fats include nuts, olive oil and avocados.
"But eat the right type of fat. Don't go home to buy fast food," said the woman who had handled nutrition for several Asian Games athletes. (liz/mut)
