Question: Should I have my dinner after I work out or just a snack?

Sorry I need so much help. But I am new to all of this.
I've counted my calories up until 4 pm tonight. So far its 1007. I am going to the gym at 6. SO should I have my dinner after I go and work out and just have a  snack before. Or have dinner before I go and have something else after. If anyone has any snacks ideas for before and after the gym would be really good.

I do usually snack after work when I get home, but is there anything that would be good before a work out?

Eating dinner after you work out won't be too bad. I would say grab a snack on the way to the gym and eat your dinner afterwards. As long as you give your body time to adjust after the workout. I would say wait about 30 to 45 minutes after working out before eating a decent meal.

OK cool thanks. I'll try and eat a meal that gets back what I burnt off at the gym. =]

there is no rule saying you have to have "dinner."  The best thing is to eat when you need it.  I prefer 5-6 small meals, so I would suggest you eat 1/2 a dinner before and 1/2 after.  This will ensure you have the energy and nutrition to put  in (and get out) 100% from your workout and your post workout meal will provide the niutrients your body needs to recover.

(before and after meals should include protein and carbs)

How long would you wait before goin' to the gym if you decide to eat dinner before??

well I'm going at 6, so I'd probably eat at about 5ish?

That sounds fine to me.. its recommended you get a good amount of carbs in your system before the gym anyways as fuel

So maybe some pasta or bread (thats carbs right) [blushes]