Foods to Eat After a Workout
Working out, whether it is yoga, running, or weight lifting, it is good for the mind, body, and soul.
This morning I heard a conversation going on in a park near my house. A few women were talking about how they don’t eat after a workout so they “don’t eat the calories back.” It was alarming to me that some people do not understand the importance of a healthy snack or meal after a workout.
It is extremely important to replenish the nutrients the body expends during a workout. I made a list of a few meals and snacks that are excellent for post workout. If you do not like these options, look for foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates; what your body uses the most during a workout.
· Your body is in recovery mode and needs something nutrient dense. A source of lean protein like a chicken caprese sandwich will fill you up without making you feel bloated.
· Eggs are a great source of protein and help aid in muscle recovery and growth. After a long run and weight training I like making a veggie omelet with avocados.
· Salmon is high in protein and has nutrients that play a role in inflammation reduction and provide joint support. Salmon and sweet potatoes are a great post workout meal.
· A recent post workout food craze is chocolate milk. It has everything you need in one drink; carbs and protein for muscle recovery, water content to replace fluids, and calcium, sodium, and sugar to help you recover faster.
· Tuna on a piece of whole wheat bread is the ideal protein carbohydrate mini meal. I drizzle a little bit of lemon and olive oil over the tuna for a little zest.
· Greek yogurt has twice the protein of regular yogurt and is a good source of carbohydrates. I mix it with fresh berries to fight muscle soreness.
· Fruits are full of carbohydrates and contain enzymes to help break down nutrients so muscles can retain them better. Pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties to help muscles recover as well.
· Wholegrain breakfast cereal that is high in protein and fiber is great for recovering muscles. It is a more substantial post-workout snack as well.
· Hummus and pita’s are also a good snack high in protein and carbohydrates. The chickpeas from the humus provides both nutrients and keeps you feeling full for a while.
· Bananas provide the body with the “good” carbohydrates needed after a workout. They help restore the levels of glycogen that help rebuild damaged muscles. They also provide potassium.
Your body uses a lot of energy during a workout, it is extremely important to replenish it shortly after. Having a healthy snack after will help your muscles recover and make your hard work worth it.
If you don’t have much time, try eating just a little bit, a small snack can go a long way for your body.
Namaste.
This morning I heard a conversation going on in a park near my house. A few women were talking about how they don’t eat after a workout so they “don’t eat the calories back.” It was alarming to me that some people do not understand the importance of a healthy snack or meal after a workout.
It is extremely important to replenish the nutrients the body expends during a workout. I made a list of a few meals and snacks that are excellent for post workout. If you do not like these options, look for foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates; what your body uses the most during a workout.
Meals to eat after a workout
· Your body is in recovery mode and needs something nutrient dense. A source of lean protein like a chicken caprese sandwich will fill you up without making you feel bloated.
· Eggs are a great source of protein and help aid in muscle recovery and growth. After a long run and weight training I like making a veggie omelet with avocados.
· Salmon is high in protein and has nutrients that play a role in inflammation reduction and provide joint support. Salmon and sweet potatoes are a great post workout meal.
· A recent post workout food craze is chocolate milk. It has everything you need in one drink; carbs and protein for muscle recovery, water content to replace fluids, and calcium, sodium, and sugar to help you recover faster.
· Tuna on a piece of whole wheat bread is the ideal protein carbohydrate mini meal. I drizzle a little bit of lemon and olive oil over the tuna for a little zest.
Snacks for post-workouts
· Greek yogurt has twice the protein of regular yogurt and is a good source of carbohydrates. I mix it with fresh berries to fight muscle soreness.
· Fruits are full of carbohydrates and contain enzymes to help break down nutrients so muscles can retain them better. Pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties to help muscles recover as well.
· Wholegrain breakfast cereal that is high in protein and fiber is great for recovering muscles. It is a more substantial post-workout snack as well.
· Hummus and pita’s are also a good snack high in protein and carbohydrates. The chickpeas from the humus provides both nutrients and keeps you feeling full for a while.
· Bananas provide the body with the “good” carbohydrates needed after a workout. They help restore the levels of glycogen that help rebuild damaged muscles. They also provide potassium.
Your body uses a lot of energy during a workout, it is extremely important to replenish it shortly after. Having a healthy snack after will help your muscles recover and make your hard work worth it.
If you don’t have much time, try eating just a little bit, a small snack can go a long way for your body.
Namaste.
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