Post workout nutrition after late night workout?

[cliffe_mafia]

Google has let me down and I can't come up with a definitive answer to this. I often workout late at night, not finishing until 11pm or midnight and shortly after collapse in bed. I know that I need fuel to replenish my glycogen stores but am unsure what to have.

My workout is typically compound exercises with heavy weights but I'm trying out P90x (and loving it) to increase my general fitness and lose some body fat.

I usually have a protein shake that contains carbs. Will the carbs be stored as fat? Should I have a low carb one instead? Should I put dextrose in it or will that go straight to my love handles?

[didelydoo]

Protien, simple carbs and some complex carbs. (I have pint of milk, whey, chocolate powder and oats)

You'll not get fat.

[SirSamuelBuca]

on workout days its ok to eat carbs after late night workout as poster above said oats are always good or brown rice/pasta

[HonestIago]

TBH its a far from ideal setup. I wouldn't have any carbs pre-workout if possible but seeing as you don't have time for a proper meal after training that won't be feasible.

However, so long as you have a decent carb source (potatoes are best) with your dinner then I'd just have some protein and sugary carbs post workout. A bowl of kids cereal with milk would be perfect.

EDITED to add: Carbs consumed immediately post workout will NOT be stored as fat. That is the time at which the affinity for carbs to be shuttled to muscle is greatest. This effect is increased hugely by carb backloading. Google it for more info. I've been doing it for 6+ months now and its great for getting/staying lean while still enjoying food and making gains.

Edited by HonestIago on Tuesday 24th July 14:28

Edited by HonestIago on Tuesday 24th July 14:29

[Flibble]

If you've just blitzed your glycogen stores any carbs will be converted directly into glycogen. Your body prioritises restocking glycogen above storing fat, regardless of what time of day it is or whether you're asleep or awake.

Drink some milk for definite (milk is just about the best recovery drink as it turns out), some extra sugar and protein won't hurt either.

[cliffe_mafia]

Thanks for the replies

Last nights shake was 30g protein powder, 30g dextrose, 30g oats, creatine, glutamine and 3/4 pint skimmed milk. It tasted great but next time I'll put a bit less milk in so I don't have to get up in the night.