I used to read articles as well, still do from time to time, but now I try to go to the studies directly and interpret them on my own. It’s drier reading, but I find it cuts back on misinformation.
I believe the real answer to your question is, it depends on your goals.
Are you going to “hurt” anything by not eating after working out? No. Are you going to burn more fat? Yes. Are your muscles going to grow as quicky? No.
In order to grow muscles your body needs higher muscle protein synthesis than muscle protein breakdown. The two are usually somewhat in balance, but our bodies prefer MPB over MPS. There are two main things that stimulate MPS — eating and heavy resistance training.
Eating protein and carbs will stimulate MPS. This is why we always hear “eat multiple meals per day” from trainers. There is actually an intelligent purpose for that — maintaining MPS throughout the day.
Heavy lifting simulates MPS for 24 to 48 hrs post-workout.
In order to compound the effect of MPS and overcome my body’s MPB (which it seems to be exceedingly good at), I usually plan my meals around my workout. I break my fast with a small amount of protein, carbs and amino acids (primarily leucine) with a shake 30 minutes before my workout. Directly after the workout, I’ll do my first true meal of the day — high protein to give my body what it needs to build those muscles. I’ll usually complete my feeding window shortly thereafter with another high protein meal.
If you don’t eat before or after your workout, your body is going to be looking for calories and protein to rebuild those muscles. If your not putting them in your body, it will burn the fat for calories, and, if fasting, likely utilize autophagy to recycle amino acids. Not ideal for MPS / muscle growth, but more ideal for fat loss, hence my earlier note.
I’ve always felt like a hard gainer, but using this system, I’ve been seeing more results than I have ever before.
Will edit later with references.
Also note that, my evidence is anecdotal and my information is based on my own interpretation of another person’s research.