Must you eat after working out?

I work full-time and have 4 young kids, so the best time for me to workout is around 8pm (after all are in bed). I mostly do Jillian Micheals workouts at home. My question...do you recommend that I eat a little something after working out for muscle recovery? I usually don't because it so late, but I am wondering if I should save some calories for after the workout? Your thoughts?

The short answer is - if you're not working out in a fasted state, and it sounds like you're not, you don't need to eat afterwards. It's a matter of personal preference.

The longer answer:
The conventional wisdom that post-workout protein is important basically came about through shrewd marketing by supplement companies who exploited research data showing increased muscle protein synthesis when whey was consumed promptly after some resistance training - in fasted subjects. It was that last part that was conveniently omitted. If you've eaten a regular meal with a reasonable amount of protein within a few hours before your workout, you will still be digesting that meal when you're done exercising, and you will still be taking up the nutrients from that meal. What matters far more than meal timing is making sure you get enough macro- and micro-nutrients over the course of the entire day.

If you like to eat after a workout, just incorporate that into your daily calorie budget. But if you're not hitting the gym while fasted, you won't realize any special benefits from dumping additional nutrients on top of what's already being digested.

I agree, unless you eat a really early dinner, like before six, I wouldn't worry about it. I did the protein shake thing for ages, and i didn't really see any benefit.

Dayumn Nimm...well articulated. I'm going to have to watch what you write for more

I'm definately not working out in a fasted state, usually eat a meal (with plenty of protein) least an hour before. Thanks!

I second Nimm! Very well to the point. And I agree wholeheartedly.
I often work out late after my two toddlers go to bed. I like going to bed after the work out on an empty stomach with my metabolism running high. That way my amped up energy then attacks my own fat stores (instead of newly ingested food) while I rest.

Just my opinion, i would advise a protein shake or some kinda protein after your workout.The awesome part is that you are already burning off some of your dinner by working out late.I do that often.Just keep your carbs very low or 0 late at night! Works for me!

Go for protein only or you will gain wait

I used to always wonder about the same question, i'm happy the subject was openned, thanks everyone for the advice

protein post-workout will have no special benefits if one is not working out in a fasted state.
having carbs at night is not a problem. meal timing is largely irrelevant. all that matters in terms of bodyweight and body composition is daily caloric balance and macronutrient sufficiency.

hope this is a troll