What to Eat After a Fasted Workout—and Why Energy Drinks May Affect Heart Rhythm: Registered dietitian nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses what to eat after exercise, especially morning fasted workouts, advising water first and avoiding sweet or carb-rich post-workout options (smoothies, bananas, flavored yogurts, cereal, sports drinks) because they can raise blood sugar and insulin, reduce fat burning by suppressing glucagon, and blunt exercise-related benefits like human growth hormone; instead she recommends a savory protein-and-fat meal (e.g., a 3–4 egg omelet, steak, chicken salad without bread) within 45–60 minutes to support muscle repair while keeping insulin low. She then reviews a 2025 systematic review of 37 studies (1,597 participants; average age 22.5) in which 63.2% of studies reported QT prolongation after energy drink consumption, with frequent increases in blood pressure and heart rate, noting that the findings show repeated measurable cardiovascular changes but do not prove energy drinks cause heart disease.
Creators and Guests
Leyla Muedin, MS, RD, CDN
Leyla has been a practicing nutritionist since 2003, when she started under the tutelage of the famed Dr. Robert Atkins at the Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine. Since 2005, she has worked alongside Dr. Hoffman at the Hoffman Center and then in private practice.
What is Intelligent Medicine with Dr. Ronald Hoffman | The Best of High Tech Medicine and Alternative Modalities?
Pioneering complementary medicine practitioner Dr. Ronald Hoffman takes a cutting-edge approach to health, wellness, and aging. He covers both conventional and alternative modalities, as well as nutrition, exercise, and supplements.