Many people do not eat after exercise because they might not be hungry or don’t have time, but nourishing the body with nutrients post-exercise is a good habit to practice.
Studies have shown that the 60 minutes following exercise is the optimal time to eat carbohydrate-rich foods and drinks. It is the “Golden Hour” when the muscles absorb the most nutrients and when glycogen, an energy reserve in your muscles, is replaced most efficiently. The carbs replenish the used-up energy that is normally stored as glycogen in muscle and in the liver.
Protein is also important in post-exercise nutrition because it aids in recovery to build back the muscles that were fatigued during exercise. Most experts suggest a post exercise meal consisting of protein and carbohydrates.