Not Hungry After Exercise?

I've learnt that you're supposed to eat no later then 30 minutes  to an hour after exercise. First, can someone tell me why?

And second of all, I came back from a 30 minute run about 25 minutes ago. I'm still not hungry. Should I still eat?

I am not hungry after I work out either, I usually drink some chocolate milk or make a small protein smoothie, or maybe a piece of bread with some peanut butter. I make myself eat something small right after the workout, then just eat my next meal when I am hungry.

Your body is most open to post workout nutrition in this 30 minute window which is why it is so important. You want to jumpstart recovery ASAP. The best way to do this is by drinking a post workout shake. Just throw in two scoops of whey protein (40-50 grams) and a form of simple carbs like Dextrose (50-60 grams). This equals out to about 500 cals.

Exercise is an appetite supressant for most. You should eat something even if it's just a banana or apple. It helps your body recover quickly and keeps you from feeling weak before your next regular meal. Even a glass of orange juice or any fruit juice will work until your next meal.

YOu must eat a little bit of something! Otherwise your body will turn to ITSELF (muscles) to continue fueling itself (your body is still in calorie-burning mode after exercise).  Also, food keeps your metabolism up, which will help you throughout the day! And everything the other person said about recovery is true, as well!

Original Post by alexandrathelily:

I've learnt that you're supposed to eat no later then 30 minutes  to an hour after exercise. First, can someone tell me why?

And second of all, I came back from a 30 minute run about 25 minutes ago. I'm still not hungry. Should I still eat?

Food helps repair muscles & restore glycogen supply (main fuel used during exercise).

A 30 minute run probably didn't deplete your body's stores by much. Just drink lots of water & eat something when you're ready. If you workouts are longer than 60 mins or you did resistance exercises, post-workout food is more necessary to speed healing.