When you start running, it’s important to understand how the body reacts. A lot of people mention bloating and weight gain after running.
When it comes to this type of biological response, it’s best to dig deeper and recognize what’s transpiring.
This guide is going to take a look at what bloating and weight gain after running means.
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Bloating And Weight Gain After Running
The average person assumes running on a treadmill is more than enough to shed belly fat.
However, this isn’t true and shouldn’t be taken as the only way to shed weight. Instead, you have to realize the body continues to work before, during, and after a run. This is why most people get confused when they look down and see a bloated stomach despite running for a few miles.
Why does this tend to happen?
There are several variables at play and it’s all about your body’s response to the decisions you’ve made during the day.
Remember, running isn’t going to happen in a vacuum. It’s going to happen during the day when you’re doing other things too.
One of those things can be something as simple as overeating before the run. You may assume it’s okay to munch away a bit because you’re going to burn away calories while running. Well, it’s true you are going to burn calories but eating means you’re going to have food in your digestive system too!
This food isn’t going to disappear into thin air when you are running. Instead, it’s going to continue to progress through the digestive system and that may lead to a point where you become bloated.
Another issue has to do with water retention.
There are people that tend to bloat during a run because of water retention. Their body doesn’t do well when it comes to managing water and that leads to this bloated look. A lot of these people will often point towards having this type of look year-round.
To avoid this type of appearance, you will have to continue to eat better and run.
When you continue to eat a lot right before running, you will deal with weight gain. It’s natural and that’s something you have to control.
Take the opportunity to listen to your body and adjust.
Fluid retention is going to happen and it may cause weight gain. You have to take all of this in and continue to make adjustments to what you do before, during, and after a run.
How to Avoid Bloating And Weight Gain After Running
Don’t Overeat Before a Run
Do you feel bloated all the time after a run?
This may have more to do with what you’re eating beforehand. There are several people worldwide that assume it’s okay to eat a lot of calories right before a run.
They do this by saying it’s a “pre-workout meal” when all you’re doing is stuffing your belly with food!
Don’t be one of those people because it will lead to weight gain.
You have to think about calories as something that matters at all times of the day/week/month/year. This isn’t a short-term thing!
You have to be willing to eat small portions that are going to give you a small burst of carbs but nothing that will lead to bloating. When that happens, it means you are doing something wrong and it’s time to cut things down a bit.
Healthy eating is essential and that means taking control of your blood sugar too. Otherwise, your blood sugar is going to plummet.
As a result, it’s okay to have a small pre-workout meal or drink but nothing that is going to lead to bloating.
Stay Hydrated
Are you drinking enough water?
There are times when you are not going to be getting enough water and that will lead to the bloated appearance.
The body will have to use water from somewhere and that can often end up being your body when you are not drinking enough water. This doesn’t bode well for how your body is going to respond under physical stress.
Along with your body shutting down, you are also going to notice the bloated look. It happens as a natural reaction.
You have to take the time to stay hydrated before, during, and after a run. This is the bare minimum as a modern runner.
There are many side effects to not staying hydrated especially after a run. The goal is to make sure you are healthy with your decision-making. This is the only way to avoid dealing with weight gain and/or other related issues.
As your physical activity rises, so should your water intake.
Don’t Munch on Snacks During a Run
This is something people tend to do when they are running.
You start to get hungry and that makes it easier to munch away at those snacks you’re carrying around.
This becomes doubly important for those working out at home. If you are someone that is running on a treadmill then it’s easy to find snacks laying around somewhere. You will have to avoid munching on those snacks to the best of your ability.
Otherwise, you are going to reach a point that is bad for your body and is going to put too much stress on it.
Your eating habits are key especially for women when it comes to your menstrual cycle. If you are not eating the right way, you are going to deal with bloating. Focus on what your body needs and continue to run with a purpose.
Running is great for several reasons including preventing heart disease but that is only possible when you aren’t relying on snacks to get you through the run.
It’s important to stay laser-focused on what you are doing and the approach you’re taking regularly.
There are too many examples of people that go through the motions and eat too much. This leads to an unhealthy amount of weight gain and/or bloating.
Final Thoughts
For those interested in learning more about running and its advantages, please take a look at this detailed guide on whether or not you’re too old to run.
It’s all about understanding what your body is telling you.
This is what the average person doesn’t do and that causes issues. The goal should be to listen to your body, make adjustments, and continue to shed belly fat.
You are going to feel great and your heart is going to appreciate the added running in your daily routine.
Don’t be afraid of making this type of change because it is a huge positive!
