Feeling Hungry After Swimming

Hello swimmers, I hope you can help me with something related to swimming

I recently started swimming twice a week. After leading a mostly inactive life, I went for the first time to a place where I could swim and enjoy the sauna afterwards.

I truly feel amazing after each session and I’m looking forward to seeing some benefits in the long run.

But here’s the thing – I get really hungry every time I finish swimming. And I mean super hungry. I know it happens, but what bothers me is I always end up grabbing fast food.

During the rest of the day I can eat healthily, but after swimming, it’s always the same story.

I get that it’s my choice, but I was curious if anyone else struggles with intense hunger after swimming.

Try bringing a big banana to eat right after your swim. Drink lots of water too. That works for me

Dane said:
Try bringing a big banana to eat right after your swim. Drink lots of water too. That works for me

Eating a boiled egg half an hour before swimming and having a piece of fruit and water after made a big difference for me

This is something many people experience. The water in the pool is cooler than your body, which makes you lose heat faster than in air. Here’s a more detailed explanation: https://swimgym.com/fast-lane/why-does-swimming-make-me-so-hungry

I feel very hungry after swimming too

@Paris
I had no idea about this. Thanks for sharing

Bring plenty of water and a snack. Your snack doesn’t need to be super healthy. If you feel one piece of fruit won’t be enough, add a chocolate bar. If one protein bar isn’t enough, bring a couple that you actually like. It’s important to eat something satisfying after swimming. If you only have a banana or drink water, you might still feel hungry and guilty when you go for fast food

I usually drink some water while swimming and have a protein shake afterward. That usually keeps me from running to McDonald’s for a meal

I eat trail mix right after swimming. The nuts are filling and the salt and chocolate help with intense cravings.

I feel like I eat a lot on swimming days too

I eat a protein bar with 180 calories after swimming. I know that highly processed foods aren’t ideal, but staying fueled is important. Try that instead of fast food

I keep a protein shake or snacks in my car and will use a small cooler when it gets warmer

It’s good you recognize that as you’re forming a new habit, you want to avoid slipping back into unhealthy eating

I drink a protein smoothie while changing after my training swim. I buy Designer Wellness protein smoothies online, they’re easy to take along. They keep my hunger at bay until I get home for a proper meal

As a kid, I always got bad stomach aches after swimming because I would swallow pool water. I would have a banana or a sandwich packed to eat on the way home, and that helped a lot

Great job on your swimming!
When I got back into it 2.5 years ago, I wanted to improve my fitness and lose some weight.

I lost weight while gaining some muscle by sticking to my routine, drinking enough during and after the swim, and making sure I had healthy food ready at home for when I got back. I enjoy soup and veggies, so I prepared those to warm up after swimming. I also made sure to increase my protein intake. I often have a protein bar after swimming if I’m not heading directly home, even though it’s not the healthiest choice, it helps with hunger. Eating healthy food when you get home really does help. I avoided chocolate snacks and sweets for a while, and now I don’t feel the urge to have them as much. A rule I had was no alcohol on weekdays and just one good beer on weekends, and that helped too. It’s tough at first, but you adapt to the new habits quickly enough. Good luck!

Try having a protein bar right after swimming. Protein limits hunger and helps with recovery as well

A protein shake and a banana can really help after swimming

I try to control myself and eat a small snack even when I feel super hungry, it’s just part of it

The swim center is too close to fast food places, it’s a challenge I have to face. Bringing a protein drink is a must! Chobani yogurt drinks are great too and have 20g of protein and are lactose free!

Make sure you warm up and drink lots of water. Having a small snack like a banana can help

Chipotle is a lifesaver. A chicken bowl could be 2 meals for many people. Load it up with toppings.

You might also be dehydrated.

Focusing on calories is key for weight loss. Overall health and body composition matter too, especially when it comes to avoiding less healthy foods like McDonald’s. Focus on your goals and plan accordingly