Is It More Wise to Rest or Exercise After a Heavy Meal?

You had a little -- or a lot -- too much to eat. It happens to the best of us. But now, you feel heavy, lethargic and maybe a bit gross, too. It might seem like a good idea to burn off those extra calories with a long, strenuous workout, but this isn't always the best choice. Sometimes, it's better to rest and let the feeling of bloating pass. You can always work out in the morning. 

Everybody Is Different

• The first thing to consider: Everyone's body responds differently. Health educator Greg Shealey blogged, "Eating too much food, or the wrong food before exercise, can hamper your performance or cause indigestion, sluggishness, nausea and vomiting." However, Shealey recognizes that these are only general guidelines, and some people may benefit from exercising after a large meal. You should do what you think will work best for you, he says.

Wait to Digest

• "Runner's World" recommends waiting two to three hours after a large meal -- which it defines as over 600 calories -- to exercise, especially if you're planning on doing cardio. If you don't wait to digest, you might not get the most out of your workout, since the body is busy spending its energy on the digestion process. It can also be uncomfortable to exercise on a full stomach. You might get stomach cramps, for example.

Fuel

• That said, "Prevention" magazine does recommend eating two to four hours before a workout, as long as you're eating smart. Snacks between 400 and 800 calories, for example, are a great way to provide your body with fuel, the magazine says. It suggests high-carb, low-fat foods. Since the snack or meal won't be so large, you won't feel sluggish at the gym and will instead be able to maximize your performance.

Burn Less

• Personal trainer Daniel Kobbina told NBC News that you'll actually burn less fat if you work out on a full stomach: If you haven't eaten before exercising, your body won't have any carbohydrates to burn and will instead shift its focus to trimming the fat. Exercise physiology professor Peter Hespel told NBC News that when you exercise on an empty stomach, "your adrenaline is high and your insulin is low. That ratio is favorable for your muscles to oxidize more fatty acids."