# Post workout meal needed if large preworkout meal?

**URL:** <https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/post-workout-meal-needed-if-large-preworkout-meal/14735>\
**Category:** Nutrition Q&A \[Moderated\]\
**Created:** [August 21, 2024, 5:54pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/post-workout-meal-needed-if-large-preworkout-meal/14735 "2024-08-21T17:54:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![PazStrong](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/pazstrong/32/1438_2.png) [@PazStrong](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/PazStrong)\
**Post date:** [August 21, 2024, 5:54pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/post-workout-meal-needed-if-large-preworkout-meal/14735/1 "2024-08-21T17:54:32Z")

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If a large pre workout meal is eaten 2-3 hours before training, would there potentially still be some digestion occurring after the workout to provide protein, carbs, etc that would be similar to consuming a post workout meal/snack?

Sometimes I’ll have to train later at night, 2-3 hours after eating a large dinner and still feel relatively full after the workout. I have been wondering if a post workout snack is needed before bed in this scenario, provided there is adequate intake throughout the day as a whole?

Thank you

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**Author:** ![Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/jordan_feigenbaum/32/1315_2.png) [@Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Jordan_Feigenbaum)\
**Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 2:47pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/post-workout-meal-needed-if-large-preworkout-meal/14735/2 "2024-08-22T14:47:31Z")

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PS,

Yep, definitely some digestion still going on for many hours post workout. I think the bulk of the evidence indicates that your daily energy (Calorie) and protein intakes, along with dietary pattern, are most predictive of weight, body composition, and nutrition-related workout results. That said, I do not generally recommend skipping a meal after a workout, usually recommending a protein shake or similar in a situation like this. Of course, I’m assuming your total Calorie and protein intake will be the same in both scenarios. Just my 0.02.

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**Author:** ![PazStrong](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/pazstrong/32/1438_2.png) [@PazStrong](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/PazStrong)\
**Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 6:02pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/post-workout-meal-needed-if-large-preworkout-meal/14735/3 "2024-08-22T18:02:33Z")

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Gotcha, thanks for the response