Does Working Out.. Decrease Your Appetite..

[Mitchell]

As those who have read my posts are aware, I've been going to the gym.. at least 2 to 3 times a week. and I'm now doing 2 miles per gym visit on the treadmill.

Lately, it seems that my appetite has decreased. While I haven't weighed myself, I know I've lost weight, because,. jeans that I couldn't even close, now fit me, and are even a bit loose.

Today, I went to Uno for lunch. I had ceaser salad, chicken parm, and pasta. Whereas in the past I would have downed it all, today all I could eat was the salad, and chicken, and I could barely even touch any of the pasta.

So.. my question is, does working out decrease one's appetite?

 

[C.A.B.]

As those who have read my posts are aware, I've been going to the gym.. at least 2 to 3 times a week. and I'm now doing 2 miles per gym visit on the treadmill.

Lately, it seems that my appetite has decreased. While I haven't weighed myself, I know I've lost weight, because,. jeans that I couldn't even close, now fit me, and are even a bit loose.

Today, I went to Uno for lunch. I had ceaser salad, chicken parm, and pasta. Whereas in the past I would have downed it all, today all I could eat was the salad, and chicken, and I could barely even touch any of the pasta.

So.. my question is, does working out decrease one's appetite?

Its a weird two way street, Mitch.

On one hand, if one had been a habitual couch potato and found one's self snacking all the time and/or drinking soda pop, its most likely because one's blood sugar / insulin levels get all out of whack... and the more one sits around and snacks the worse it gets and the more you snack... until they have to cut a hole in the wall and take you to the hospital with a fork-lift

The good news is, recent studies have shown that with a minimum of brisk exercise every day of as little as 10-15 minutes really keeps you insulin levels more in balance.

And as you say, since you have been working out, your insulin levels are leveling out so you dont have eating cravings. PLUS a good workout releases hormones and chemicals that keep hunger at bay (not to mention you sleep faster and better)...

That said, now that you are working out regularly, the best time to eat is about an hour after your workout when your muscles have depleted their stores of sugars from carbs, and later when you sleep your body will use proteins that you ate earlier to build new muscle fibers and repair ones you've damaged.

But you must listen to your body and eat when hungry (and I mean truly hungry, not just a 'notion' for a plate of potato latkes and sour cream). Do not make the mistake of starving yourself while on a workout program or all will be for naught. And the most important thing you can do for a workout program is get 8 hours solid sleep. That's when the body dismantles fat and builds muscle.

 

[Mitchell]

Thanks. C.A.B.

What I usually do.. is to work out early in the morning, say anywhere between 6 and 8am.

I eat breakfast about an hour before, and then digest my food, before working out.

You mentioned 8 hours solid sleep. Except for rare occasions, I haven't had that in .. years.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[rdhd]

Gotta agree with C.A.B. overall...ignore all the pundits out there plying the newest trend. Not sure about the eating an hour before your routine tho; guess if you aren't overeating, it's ok. Then again (just my opinion), you're working two systems at the same time - your digestive, and the rest that you're working on. May be ok, may not (that gets into all the studies...a can of worms, which I do not suggest eating).

 

[kopfhorer]

I think C.A.B.'s hit it dead center. Good luck with your diet-and-exercise program, Mitchell. Please keep us posted!

 

[Mitchell]

rdhd, all I have is a piece of bread and some iced tea, so I can take my bp meds,. I cant take the meds on an empty stomach, so I have to eat something.

Thanks for the good wishes, kop. I will keep everyone posted.

 

[Cantillon]

I find myself to have an increased appetite when I'm eating normally and exercising routinely.

I think it has more to do with eating healthy and on a good schedule. Getting your metabolism started on the rights times, etc.

Good luck with the self improvement! It's a grind, but an important one.

 

[4Pawz]

I also agree with C.A.B. eating is important whether trying to lose weight or not. What you are putting into your body and the frequency are just as important. 5 small meals a day is recommended, or eating approximately every 3 hours. High protein with healthy fruits and veggies is what I shoot for. Slow and steady wins the weight loss race. It's a lifestyle change, not a diet plan. Good luck and good for you!

 

[Mitchell]

Thanks, Pawz.

I had been doing very well with watching what I eat. I've been having some work issues lately, and today, I went rather.. haywire. It was my day off from the gym, as I go every other day, to preserve my legs. I'm almost embarrassed to post what I ate today, but, here goes.

I went to Mcd's, where I almost never go, and had a small burger, 10 pieces nuggets, and fries. Then, for dinner, I was hungry again, and ordered a small pizza from Dominos. I NEVER eat like that, when I work out, or not. I think with all that's been going on lately, I went overboard. I want to try and go to the gym tomorrow, and walk it off, but right now my legs are sore, so I may have to wait until Thursday. I will definitely eat more.. sanely tomorrow lol.

 

[Ticklish9's]

Joining the chorus here, C.A.B. nailed it in the first go.