Should You Workout After Dinner?

You shouldn't exercise right after eating a large meal, as you may feel bloating or muscle cramping. It's better to eat low-fiber, low-fat, and high-carbohydrate snacks 30 to 45 minutes before exercising. This can include yogurt, fruit, granola, peanut butter, or whole-wheat toast.

How long should I wait to exercise after dinner?

For most people, waiting 1–2 hours to exercise after a meal and at least 30 minutes after a snack is sufficient to avoid side effects. Those practicing endurance sports may want to wait longer and need to incorporate fast-digesting carbs during workouts lasting longer than 1 hour.

Is it better to workout before or after dinner?

While the importance of eating before a workout may vary based on the situation, most scientists agree that it's beneficial to eat after exercise. Research shows that some nutrients, particularly protein and carbs, can help your body recover and adapt after exercise.