Carbs and workouts near bed time

[Cerberus2k7]

I'm normally a guy who works out late, but at the same time they say not to have any carbs 3 hours before bed.  But what if you workout just a few hours before bed time?  My protein shakes have carbs.  And i've noticed that I overtrain easier if I don't have carbs within two hours of working out.  So what should I do?  Try to bump my workouts so it's earlier?

[Rimbaud]

IMO - your body always needs some carbs after training. On days I train late I'll just have less then if I trained in the morning.

[Cerberus2k7]

Thanks for the input.  I figured I would be pretty safe, but people are always screaming that carbs get converted to fat when your sleeping.  But they don't get done with a high intensity workout two hours before sleep.

[MidniteRambo]

Thanks for the input.  I figured I would be pretty safe, but people are always screaming that carbs get converted to fat when your sleeping.  But they don't get done with a high intensity workout two hours before sleep.

The "time of day" factor is way overblown IMO (that being said, don't eat a pizza before bed which is obvious).  I work out late too and for awhile I fell victim to that type of thinking and progress stalled. When I started giving my muscles what they required, regardless of the type of day (big proponent of nighttime feedings, by the way), progress resumed.

[Rimbaud]

The "time of day" factor is way overblown IMO (that being said, don't eat a pizza before bed which is obvious). 

I agree 100%.

[Cerberus2k7]

Thanks, I have noticed that my workouts have been lacking as well since I capped my carb intake late at night.  Last night I upped it though with chicken, protein shake, and a salad with sunflower seeds.  And I was snacking on seeds for about 20 mins afterwards as well.   Overall probably close to 17-20g of carbs.  Is that a good balance of carbs or should I add more or lower it?

[MidniteRambo]

Thanks, I have noticed that my workouts have been lacking as well since I capped my carb intake late at night.  Last night I upped it though with chicken, protein shake, and a salad with sunflower seeds.  And I was snacking on seeds for about 20 mins afterwards as well.   Overall probably close to 17-20g of carbs.  Is that a good balance of carbs or should I add more or lower it?

This may sound like a non-answer, but it really is true about what seasoned vets say about "listening to your body" (which appears to be what you already started doing).  For example how is your energy level during workouts at the present level of carbs, now try it with more, how are your gains coming in muscle size, are fat levels increasing, is your strength?  It is a series of constant adjustments and what works today may not in three months as your body changes and metabolism adjusts.

Only your body will tell you the answers to these questions and more.

[Hedgehog]

Thanks for the input.  I figured I would be pretty safe, but people are always screaming that carbs get converted to fat when your sleeping.  But they don't get done with a high intensity workout two hours before sleep.

Get at least 100 grams of carbs post workout. Regardless of when the training is at.

-Hedge

[Rimbaud]

This may sound like a non-answer, but it really is true about what seasoned vets say about "listening to your body" (which appears to be what you already started doing).  For example how is your energy level during workouts at the present level of carbs, now try it with more, how are your gains coming in muscle size, are fat levels increasing, is your strength?  It is a series of constant adjustments and what works today may not in three months as your body changes and metabolism adjusts.

Only your body will tell you the answers to these questions and more.

Again I agree with you. Not enough people listen to their body. We're all a little different & respond differently to training, food, drugs, etc.

[Cerberus2k7]

Well, i've been recovering a lot better now.  But...I also started cardio which has really taken its toll.  I did legs tonight and my 6 rep max(leg press) went from 810 down to 720.  But i've lost 10lbs so I guess that's good.  Now it's really time to balance everything.

[bassmaster]

i would agree the time of day workout/meal thing is overblown,

kiss bro

f**k it a baby boy has got to grow you might want the carb source be something that doesn't break down as fast.  i  catch myself eating apples-n-cinnamon oatmeal before bed at times.  do listen to your body  and the mirror