PUBLISHED
January 14, 2025
The festive season is packed with tempting sweets everywhere you look, and many of us are wondering if a quick workout before diving into a sugary treat can offset those carbs. Well, before you scarf down that cake, there’s something you should know.
Experts say that eating sweets right after a workout can have mixed results, and it really depends on the ingredients in your dessert and your fitness goals. Here’s what goes down in your body when you indulge in sugar after a workout.
What happens when you eat sweets post-workout?
“When you eat desserts after exercising, the sugars help restore the glycogen your muscles burned during the workout,” explains one expert. While this helps with recovery, desserts don’t really cover all the bases. Sure, they replenish glycogen, but they’re often lacking in protein or fiber—two essential nutrients for muscle recovery.
Eating sugary desserts also causes a spike in blood sugar, followed by a potential crash, leading to fatigue and cravings later in the day. This can offset some of the benefits of your workout and cause unnecessary calorie overconsumption. Plus, rich desserts can cause digestive discomfort since intense exercise temporarily slows down your digestion, making it tough for your body to process heavy foods.
But why are desserts a bad choice post-workout?
The main issue with indulging in dessert right after your sweat session is that they’re typically packed with sugar and fat. The sugar gives you a quick energy boost, but without enough protein, your muscles won’t be able to fully recover.
The fat content in these treats can also slow digestion, delaying the absorption of nutrients when your body needs them most. For those aiming for fat loss or long-term energy stability, experts suggest choosing a post-workout snack that combines lean protein and complex carbs. A healthier option could be a smoothie with protein powder or a fruit-and-protein combo that provides all the benefits without undoing your progress.
In the end, it’s all about moderation. Treating yourself is fine, but balancing it with proper recovery foods will help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
