Answer:

When your body tells you to EAT (now!) post-exercise, it certainly gets your attention! That hunger may be normal, though disruptive to weight loss efforts if you eat the energy equivalent of what you just burned. A small recovery snack such as a two-inch apple and tablespoon of peanut butter may do the trick. Base it on carbohydrates to replace spent fuel. A cup of dry cereal to munch on travels well. A single ounce granola bar is another convenient option. But if you’re planning on a meal in an hour or so, try to fill up on light fare such as air-popped popcorn, celery, rice cakes, and melon to stave off hunger until then.

Other tips include:

• Depending on when you work out, consider boosting up your previous meal to give you the fuel you need for vigorous exercise.
• If you’re exercising over an hour, switch from water to a simple sports drink during your exercise to keep blood sugar up.
• Include some protein and healthy fat at the previous meal to promote satiety and help keep energy levels stable.

– Debbie J., MS, RD