Q: I’m hungrier on days I exercise—how do I make sure I burn more than I eat? —Lilli, DeWitt, IA
You should feel hungrier on those days—and eat more, too, says Marni Sumbal, R.D., an exercise physiologist and owner of Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition in Jacksonville, Florida. The key to managing your food intake is to eat an additional snack before and after your workout, so you’re fueling up when your body needs it most.
For example, before an hour-long run, Sumbal suggests a 100-to 200-calorie snack mixing five to 15 grams of protein and 30 to 40 grams of carbs (like a small banana with half a tablespoon of peanut butter); a post-workout snack should include about 10 to 15 grams of protein and 20 to 30 grams of…
