Is it just me or is it more common for swimmers to develop a significant increase in their appetite than athletes in other sports? I usually swim in the late afternoons and evenings, 6-7 days a week, for 3,500 to 4,500 yards (60-90 minutes at 60-80% HRmax intensity) and my workouts vary from training interval workouts to straight distance workouts. I started upping my workouts from short 1,000 - 1,500 yards to 3,500 - 4,500 yards over the last three months and since then, my appetite in the evenings and during the night has gotten out of control. I still get full on moderate amounts of food but then I'm starving again 20 minutes later and continue to be starving until breakfast and after breakfast, my appetite becomes pretty stable (but I'm busy in the daytime so I may be hungry and just not aware of it). I never felt this way after other types of exercise.
I haven't given in by increasing my food intake but I also haven't lost any weight either (unfortunately). I'm a small person (5'0", 120 lbs) and my calorie burn is pretty low - my BMR is 1255 and I burn only 350-450 calories on a 60 minute workout (I can burn up to 650 on a 90 minute workout at 80-95% HRmax intensity). So, it's not like I can afford to eat a whole lot.
So, is this a swimming phenomenon or am I just weird? And if swimmers tend to be hungrier than other athletes, why?
I can tell you right off the bat that the evening dinner is the at least one culprit. I quit eating after 6:30 p.m. because of my rehearsal schedule, and I've lost weight even though I can't exercise. Try eating a half cup of low fat yogurt with some fruit and flax after your swim and eat a more hearty breakfast, and don't worry that you'll starve, because you won't.
I'm personally not a big fan of food substitutes like protein bars. A hard boiled egg or peanut butter or some other form of unprocessed protein is more filling. A high protein diet isn't great for any athlete. If you're swimming you need the carbs before you exercise and should be taking in protein after. Too much protein can also cause health issues down the road. If you eat a moderate amount of carbs and protein together before you swim, and some light protein after, you may find it easier to lose those few extra pounds.
I'm not a nutritionist, but if you have access to one, I'd recommend you get with him/her to sort out your diet. I'm not a fan of Atkins, or any program that restricts a certain food group, especially if you're exercising as hard as you are. I salute you in your efforts:notworthy::wine: and your hard work in the pool.
I can tell you right off the bat that the evening dinner is the at least one culprit. I quit eating after 6:30 p.m. because of my rehearsal schedule, and I've lost weight even though I can't exercise. Try eating a half cup of low fat yogurt with some fruit and flax after your swim and eat a more hearty breakfast, and don't worry that you'll starve, because you won't.
I'm personally not a big fan of food substitutes like protein bars. A hard boiled egg or peanut butter or some other form of unprocessed protein is more filling. A high protein diet isn't great for any athlete. If you're swimming you need the carbs before you exercise and should be taking in protein after. Too much protein can also cause health issues down the road. If you eat a moderate amount of carbs and protein together before you swim, and some light protein after, you may find it easier to lose those few extra pounds.
I'm not a nutritionist, but if you have access to one, I'd recommend you get with him/her to sort out your diet. I'm not a fan of Atkins, or any program that restricts a certain food group, especially if you're exercising as hard as you are. I salute you in your efforts:notworthy::wine: and your hard work in the pool.
