Post Workout Meal--- Carbs Before Bedtime

[Nitric]

Okay, quick question and I couldn't really find the answer I was looking for by searching the threads. I workout about and hour and a half before I go to bed. I have read in plenty of body building magazines that it is not a wise idea to have a high carb intake before bed because it will turn into body fat. On the other side of the picture though, everyone recommends taking in carbs post workout. Should I be taking carbs in after my workout (meaning right before bed)? Thank you for the help.

P.S.- I work 11 hour shifts and get off work at 2:30 in the morning so this is the best time for me to work out.

[Jules Verne]

Many threads on this. Short answer, yes you want carbs before and after your WO.

Either shake of fast digesting carbs+protein immediately PWO, then a balanced meal, with some fat, carbs and slower digesting carbs before bed. The is is what I do. I just make the shake smaller than I would if I was working out during the day, as opposed to 2 hours before sleeping.

Or just a balanced meal of slow (complex carbs) with protein and fat PWO.

As long as you don't completely overdo the carbs and total calories you will be fine - restoring muscle glycogen, not adding fat.

[fitbodz]

yep, i agree. i think the thing to focus on here is the post-workout aspect, not the "about to go bed" aspect.

as jules said, carbs are essential in a pwo meal - which should ideallly be a drink, not a meal, for quick absorption.

remember too that carbs take different forms. the carbs you ingest pwo should be easily digestible - maltodextrin and dextrose are the most commonly recommended. i mention this because in talking about carbs before bed, we're not talking about pasta - nothing complex.

and these carbs you ingest pwo will be quickly and easily absorbed by your system. have a read of this article by john berardi. it will answer your pwo questions, and should make you more relaxed in the context of doing all this before bed.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/berardi4.htm

[BlueFenix13S]

Slow carbs, healthy fat, and a mix of both fast and slow proteins. A perfect example is a whey+milk shake, a bowl of cottage cheese, and some oats or a sweet potato with some peanut butter.