Do afternoon snacks really help?

[FastHands]

I turn into a serious blob at about 4:00, and all of the "YEAH! I'MMA GO TO THE GYM WHEN I GET HOME" motivation is just. GONE. Obviously one solution is to work out in the mornings, which I may try to get back to, but I'm curious. I know people swear by afternoon snacks if you're going to go to the gym. Does that help with energy to GO to the gym, or just energy to get through the workout?

[revolution]

I came in here b/c you mentioned snacks and I LOVE snacks. morning/afternoon/evening.

And then I saw this was about working out.

[emerald59]

Definitely. It's also super hard for me to eat healthily if I don't have (healthy) snacks when I get hungry between meals. I can't work out in the mornings. I've tried, (really tried!) but I suck at it so hard. Also? Not everyone is into artificial sweeteners, but I love Crystal Light energy mixes. (caffeine and b vitamins) I have one every day before my work out.

[Wrath0fKuus]

Yes, I find that it helps me to have the energy to work out, actually enjoy the workout, and feel invigorated rather than exhausted afterward.

[wambam]

HELL YES.

I eat a snack at 3:00 and workout at 5:30. I am very pro-snack.

[jreeds]

Afternoons are my worst time of the day. I hit a wall between 4 and 6 every single damn day. I started coming home and making a healthy ( and yummy) shake that I drink while I get dinner together. It helps me not eat everything in the house while I cook and it gives me energy for later when DH & I work out.

[FastHands]

ok, I'll give it a shot. What kind of snacks do you usually have? PB+toast, fruit...?

I can only drink the crystal light with truvia, unfortunately. I bet the energy ones would be perfect for a little kick!

[wambam]

I usually eat a vegetable for my afternoon snack. Kale, carrots, asparagus, salad...whatever I happened to have made the day before.

[FastHands]

Jul 10, 2013 15:44:34 GMT -5 wambam said:

I usually eat a vegetable for my afternoon snack. Kale, carrots, asparagus, salad...whatever I happened to have made the day before.

I wish you could've seen my face just now. It's probably similar to when PP realized this was a post about working out.

[iamgrace]

I need an afternoon snack to manage life, let alone an afternoon workout.

[wambam]

Jul 10, 2013 15:46:05 GMT -5 FastHands said:

Jul 10, 2013 15:44:34 GMT -5 wambam said:

I usually eat a vegetable for my afternoon snack. Kale, carrots, asparagus, salad...whatever I happened to have made the day before.

I wish you could've seen my face just now. It's probably similar to when PP realized this was a post about working out.

Sorry

[Cioccolato]

I eat an afternoon snack every day, lately its been ice cream ;-). Ideally though I will have an apple and nuts, dried fruit, a granola bar, banana and pb..
It helps my energy level.

[emerald59]

I can't eat veggies for a snack. Gag. I wish I could! I usually have either raw almonds or sunflower seeds with string cheese, or sliced apple with peanut butter.

[azurely]

Yes they do help, as long as it's light. Anything carb-y just makes me more tired.

I like greek yogurt w/ fruit, a banana with PB, an apple with PB or cheese.

[revolution]

I had a Reese's Big Cup. :-)

[wildfloweragain]

I don't work out in the afternoons due to kids/schedules. I do mornings. But I always have a 3:00 snack. During the school year I have this right when I put my class on the bus (3:20.) It helps me not be a ravenous beast and ruin my dinner.

I eat a cheese stick and some chocolate almonds.

[Deleted]

Do you not snack at all? I need a morning and afternoon snack at a minimum! Usually two afternoon snacks. I like to eat every two hours and especially in the afternoons. For the reason you listed plus if I'm hungry when dinner time comes, I'm more likely to EAT ALL THE PIZZAS.

I usually have fruit, sometimes nuts, string cheese, hummus, sometimes a little processed snack stuff.

[jreeds]

Almond milk, peanut butter, banana, vanilla protein powder. Blend together into yummy goodness

[snickers]

I don't understand why an afternoon snack is not already on your agenda. That is crazy talk!!

[SuziSaysDa]

I keep the snack simple - usually raw almonds and an apple.

I also drink green tea for a bit of a caffeine lift - it helps me over the slump of getting home and wanting to do nothing.