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YOUDAM Do you always find yourself wondering what you should eat before and after a workout? Or whether it’s necessary to eat at all? These are important questions to ask, because proper fuel can make a huge difference in your energy level, mood, and results — and thus greatly influence how likely you are to work out again. The world of pre- and post-workout nutrition is confusing, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. One thing you should know, however, is that the food you put in your body before, during, and after your sweat session can definitely affect how you feel and whether or not you meet your workout goals. (1) Food also influences how quickly you recover from a workout, and what you eat after a training session factors into how quickly you can exercise again (which is important to serious athletes). The specific recommendations on what, when, and how much to eat will vary significantly depending on the time of day, type and length of workout, and your personal goals, explains Jennifer McDaniel, RDN, CCSD, who is board certified in sports dietetics and owns the private nutrition practice McDaniel Nutrition Therapy based in Clayton, Missouri. Here, experts break down exactly what you should eat before, during, and after a workout. What to Eat Before a Workout (and How Long You Should Wait Before Hitting the Gym)