How do I eat after a lunchtime workout?

[shank]

I've recently discovered that I'm able to use a gym closer to my work as part of my membership. Up to now, I was doing morning workouts, which I enjoy. However, if I've got an early meeting, this isn't possible and since I have an off peak membership, that meant I would have to miss the workout for the rest of the day as I don't get back from work till around 7pm.

When I workout in the morning, my breakfast is a protein/oat/water smoothie that I consume immediately after. However, I don't really want the same at lunchtime as I'll be on my arse in the afternoon as I really need a proper meal.

With this in mind, do I bring my own lunch and eat in the changing rooms or am I paying too much attention to the "consume protein within 15 mins of working out" rule?

On a sidenote, I'm looking to change my snack meals (i.e. those between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner). Up to now, I was just havign protein shakes but I would prefer some actual food as I'm hungry pretty much all the time and would prefer something a bit more "organic" (for want of a better word anyway). Its got to be something I can eat at my desk or on the move. I'm thinking almonds and something else like a banana. Is that enough?

[stallion16]

Originally Posted by shank

With this in mind, do I bring my own lunch and eat in the changing rooms or am I paying too much attention to the "consume protein within 15 mins of working out" rule?

You don't need to start eating in the changing room. That's a bit over the top. But how long would you have to wait to get your next meal? If it's under 30-40 mins, I think you'll be okay. Nutrient timing is far less important than actually getting the correct amount of calories and protein at the end of the day. If you're really worried, you can bring a shaker bottle w/ a half-scoop of protein to "tide you over" until your next meal.

Originally Posted by shank

On a sidenote, I'm looking to change my snack meals (i.e. those between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner). Up to now, I was just havign protein shakes but I would prefer some actual food as I'm hungry pretty much all the time and would prefer something a bit more "organic" (for want of a better word anyway). Its got to be something I can eat at my desk or on the move. I'm thinking almonds and something else like a banana. Is that enough?

A couple of quick suggestions:
1. a quality protein bar (although, this is similar, if not inferior to a shake)
2. Nuts
3. Fruit
4. Piece of cheese
5. chicken or chicken salad (or any leftovers) in a Tupperware container.
6. Greek yogurt
7. Some veggies and dip
8. Any combination of the above

[HevyMetal]

Here's a portable snack I read about......could be transported in an airtight insulated cooled container.


Nonfat Cottage Cheese
One packet of dry salad dressing mix

Put the needed amount of dry salad dressing mix in the container of cottage cheese and stir/mix.....or premix it at home. Add small chunks of fruit like pear or peach or whatever you like, there or at home.

Put spoon atwixt thumb and forefinger

eat.