I'm Done, and Hungry

This has become a recent focus of my own. I have been going to practice or work out and leaving very hungry and wanting a ton of food. By the time I get home, I eat very little and sometimes the foods I choose upset my stomach. I just read this article by Marta Montenegro of Fox News Latino and found out some cool stuff to share with you all.

First rule: keep it simple. Basically don't go get the sauced up foods, the foods that are anything but basic, or anything you are unfamiliar with. Your stomach is telling you "I'm hungry" and you need to give it exactly that. Real food, real simple, real basic.

Some foods that are great to have after include oranges (mostly water but also electrolytes and carbs), bananas (good carbs, high potassium!), bagels and bars (quick, easily digestible carbs), and *surprise surprise* BEER. Beer is a source of carbs and contains calories to give you energy post haste. Also, beer is a liquid which increases digestion speed. Because beer is such a social drink, it can be easy to grab with friends after activity. The problem with beer is that it can upset an empty stomach. Drinking while empty can lead to sickness and a very quick buzz. So in order to not let that happen, eat first (a bagel and a banana for instance) then enjoy a couple brewskis with the gang.

For the most part, the timing of when you eat can be up to you. Eating within 30 min after woring out has shown to increase recovery, but not everyone's stomach is primed in that time frame. So, eat slow. Take things bite by bite until your stomach goes "Ok, bring it on," then go ahead and eat more or bigger. Remember we are trying to avoid that feeling of there being a brick in your stomach; I hate it and I know you all do too.

Finally, Liquids, liquids, liquids...You'll be dehydrated, guarenteed, so on the side have at least water, but if you can, get a carb heavy drink too like Gatorade, juice, or even a soda (caffeine has been shown to help ease post work out tummy stress). Liquids are more easily digested than food so if you are really having trouble eating, run for a smoothie, Gatorade, or other beverage. Or just have a smoothie because it sounds fantastic.

Have fun eating!