I do a simple HIIT routine of sprinting 200m around a track, walk 200m, and repeat as many times as I can… 5 or 6. My question is will eating a large breakfast (or gatorade/protein drink if I do it in the afternoon) after a HIIT workout ruin the post workout effect? Studies have shown that HIIT is mostly effective over slow cardio because the fat-burning carries on well after the actual workout is done, but have not indicated whether post-workout nutrition interferes with this effect or not. Thanks.
i doubt the post workout nutrition would interfer with this fat burning process. I say this because from what i know, the reason fat burning continues after HIT exercise is the body is repairing and rebuilding itself from the stress of the workout. That should still continue, or even accelerate with the addition of a post workout drink.
It’s still debatable whether HIIT is better for fat burning than 'slow cardio". But either way, I enjoy HITT MUCH better so I do it anyway when Im trying to lose fat. As far as eating during the PW period, no, it wont inhibit the fat burning effects or the big increases in EPOC (excess post exercise oxygen consumption) that occur only with HITT.
HITT training is great for that post cardio workout calorie burn. Your essentially burning more total calories and your body has to recuperate for a longer time afterward b/c of the additional stress that its undergone. In regards to the post nutrition it just depends on what your trying to do. If your goal is too cut fat you should not eat 45min to an hour after the cardio. proceed then with the prot and carbs. Keep in mind that this may result in a bit of catabolism of muscle as well. If you are looking for size, this is the ideal time to replenish the glycogen stores and fuel up on the high carb and protein. The body is in the repair stage during that time.