If you finish a workout and instantly think “cheeseburger,” you’re not alone.

It happens to the best of us.

But just how much should you be eating, and just is it normal to bethathungry after workouts?

,M.S., a resident of orthopedics and sports medicine at Marshall Sports Medicine Institute.

So, what’s the deal?

So once your workout ends, your body cries out: Feed me!

This makes that post-workout snack super important, says running coach,Susie Lemmer.

How to Reduce Ravenous Hunger Post-Workout

The short answer if you’re hungry post-workout is: eat.

That said, loading up on nutritious options and making sure you’re hydrated is key.

Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Drink fluids-before, during, and after a workout.

“Ravenous hunger can actually be thirst,” says Dr. Cederquist.

Similarly, grab that bottle after you’ve wiped off your sweat.

But not just anything (or everything).

But ensure to steer clear of drinks with artificial sweeteners-just look at what sugar can do to your body.

These artificially sweetened drinks can actually make you hungrier, says nutritionistIsabel Smith, MS, RD, CDN.

He recommends Greek yogurt with a banana and peanut butter, or even a glass of chocolate milk.

This will help you avoid excess (read: uncontrollable) hunger when you get home.

A healthy, slow-digesting carb such as quinoa, brown rice, or hummus.

So take a minute, shower, unpack your gym bag, and then decide what to eat.

That approach can backfire.

“My advice is to eat back no more than half the calories you burn off during a workout.

So if you burn 300 calories jogging, you have 150 calories to play with afterward.”

The trick is to maximize your nutritional intake in minimal calories.

Always Hungry After Workouts?

To keep things on track, follow this around-the-clock advice.

In the morning…

Make your digestive system work.

“If you put sugary cereal in your mouth, it literally dissolves.

Aim for 25 grams of fiber a day.

At lunch…

Be a meal splitter.

Have half the sandwich an hour before you exercise, the other half immediately after your workout.

For a snack…

Do the apple test.

“Ask yourself, ‘Does eating an apple sound good right now?'”

At night… You already know that more sleep equals a better workout, so hit the sack an hour earlier tonight.

Ultimately you’ve got to approach hunger the way you do your workout: methodically and consistently.

“People who manage hunger well are those whoeat mindfully,” Sonneville says.

“You do yourself a disservice if you just count calories.