One issue that many people have is that they work out in the later evening but then aren't sure if they should consume carbohydrates in their post-workout meal since it is the late-night hours.

Many individuals start cutting out carbohydrate-dense foods in the evening hours in hopes that this will get them one step ahead when it comes to fat loss.

So then, even though they know that they should be eating carbohydrates in their post-workout meal, they aren't sure what to do.

Eat the carbs but then forgo the chance at fat loss? Or skip the carbs to ramp up fat loss and take a hit when it comes to recovery?

What's the best solution?

The answer to this question is that you can actually have both!

The typical notion that one must cut out carbohydrates at night to avoid fat gain is false. While it may be beneficial for you to do so because this will definitely help put a stop to nighttime nibbling, which can contribute a great deal of calories to your daily total (which is what will actually cause that weight gain), it isn't necessary.

The body isn't going to say to itself, ‘Oh, it's 9:00 pm and these are carbohydrates. I'd better turn them to fat immediately.' No, rather the body is constantly evaluating its needs at the moment and will use the carbohydrates as it sees best fit.

In some instances, this definitely will mean turning them to body fat, but in other instances, it won't.

Having just worked out in the evening, this is a perfect example of when it won't.

Immediately after a workout your body is in prime position to store the carbohydrates you eat as muscle glycogen and as such, you'd be silly not to take advantage of this.

Increased stored glycogen means a better chance that you're muscles will repair and rebuild themselves, helping you to become stronger and bigger (if a caloric surplus is given).

If there is one time in the day when you should eat carbohydrates, post workout is it; regardless if this happens to be at 8 am or 10 pm. Your body needs the carbs so eat up.

Now, one thing that must be mentioned is that if you are going to be having your carbohydrates in the post-workout period like this, you likely want to cut them back during the remainder of the day.

Since you're likely just getting up in the morning and then going to work at your typical desk job, keep in mind that you won't be as active, so you won't need nearly the same amount of carbohydrates for fuel at this time.

By keeping the remaining meals of your day more protein and fat based, you will help to keep total calorie intake under control - and it is this total calorie intake that at the end of the day, determines whether or not you lose body fat.

So, next time you're unsure if you should be eating your post-workout carbs or not, don't think twice. Just ensure the rest of your program is set up properly and this should have no effect whatsoever on your ability to lose body fat.