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Fueling your body correctly is just as important (if not more important) than the actual workout you take it through! Often times we worry about what we should be eating before our workouts, however did you know it’s just as important to eat correctly after a workout?! Today I wanted to share with you more information about proper post-workout nutrition and give you 10 foods that should be on your radar following your workout. Bon apetit!
1. Greek Yogurt – Loaded with twice the protein as regular yogurt, available in plenty of delicious flavors, and an excellent source of post-workout replenishing carbs – reach for the Greek yogurt to repair and rebuild!
2. Fruit – Fruit is another excellent source of all-natural carbs. Most fruits are loaded with enzymes that can help to break down nutrients and deliver them more efficiently to tired muscles. Pineapple is a great option as it’s been known to also possess anti-inflammatory properties!
3. Sandwich Wraps – Turkey and chicken are an excellent source of lean protein; make sure you reach for the whole-grain tortilla. Bonus that wraps and sandwiches are portable as well! Perfect for those lunch-break workouts!
4. Chocolate Milk – my personal favorite! Loaded with protein and carbs, but in liquid form! Perfect for replenishing fluids lost as sweat as well as calcium and sodium. Just make sure you find something low in fat!
5. Fruit Smoothie – Fruit is an excellent option after a workout; blend it up to make a delicious fruit smoothie! Throw in a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make it an even better post-workout option! (Need some ideas for your fruit smoothie? Check out 10 of the best green smoothie options by clicking here!)
6. Eggs – At only 70 calories and just over 6 g of protein each, eggs are one of the best all-natural foods you can reach for after your workout. (Burritos, omelettes, and pita pockets – oh my! Check out our delicious egg recipes by clicking this link!)
7. Quinoa – Loaded with carbs, vitamins, and nutrients, but it also contains a lot more protein than brown rice and actually takes less time to prepare! Personally – I even think it tastes better! Check out some of my favorite quinoa recipes right here!
8. Orange Juice – Instead of your favorite sports drink (most of them are designed to be consumed during activity), reach for the OJ after your workout! Vitamin C and potassium in liquid form which is more readily digestible! Mix it in with your favorite protein fruit smoothie – like this one!
9. Pita Chips and Hummus – Chickpeas (the base for hummus) contain large amounts of protein and carbs, but then you also get slow-release carbs from the whole wheat pita that will keep you energy higher longer post-workout. Double bonus!
10. Trail Mix – my go-to snack for on-the-go! Quick shot of protein and carbs that’s both portable and convenient!
So you probably noticed a trend to this list… the key to successful post-workout nutrition is lots of protein to assist in muscle building and repair and carbohydrates to replenish depleted energy supplies. Keep that in mind when you’re looking for something to eat after you workout and you can’t go wrong!
Looking for some amazing healthy and delicious recipes to try out your new-found knowledge?
CLICK HERE to be taken to Tone-and-Tighten.com’s recipe index!
Questions or suggestions for Jared? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below or you can email me at ToneandTightenFitness{at}gmail.com
Make it happen,
Jared
