The Best Fat Burning Post Workout Meal

August 10, 2008 – 1:30 am

by John Alvino

There have been many recent studies validating the importance of post-workout nutrition. The studies have clearly shown that ingesting a shake consisting of whey protein and simple carbohydrates (instantly after a workout) helps aid muscle recovery and replenishment.

Since study after study has demonstrated such positive effects from these shakes, most fitness professionals highly recommend their use after each workout. Instead of jumping on the bandwagon, let’s step outside the box and evaluate if these shakes are effective for everyone to use.

In over 16 years as a fitness professional, I have found that these shakes are very useful for certain individuals. For example, if your goal is to gain muscular weight, I highly recommend their use.

You see, following a workout, your muscles will soak up these calories for replenishment, making them unavailable for fat storage.

But let’s revisit exactly what our primary goal is: Fat loss! Do you really think that it is a good idea to chug a sugary shake every time you train if your goal is to lose body fat? How can a high-sugar shake really help to enhance your fat burning efforts? The truth is that it doesn’t. In fact, I believe that this practice is counter productive for trainees with a fat loss goal.

I’ve read all of the research and unfortunately, the research has not been performed on subjects whose primary goal is fat loss. Initially, I experimented with these post workout shakes on myself and my fat loss clients. Their results slowed significantly when clients used these shakes. I’ve got mounds of real world results to prove my assertion that in order to maximize fat burning; you need to lose those high-carb post workout shakes!

I’m sure you’re saying, “Alright, but what should my post-workout meal consist of?” The answer to this question is much less complicated than the supplement companies want you to believe. All you need to do is eat a solid meal! This meal can be structured exactly like any of your daily meals. I do believe however, that this meal should be eaten within one hour after your workout.

Remember, your rate of fat loss will always be faster when you eat healthy, solid meals. So if you want to lose your excess body fat as fast as possible, ditch the post-workout shakes. Just eat a meal instead and get a lean body in no time.

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Tags: Nutrition