When you put all your effort into hard workouts, it actually requires a lot of energy. Then, you’ll need special nutrition to refuel working muscles and recover energy levels in your body. This is why consuming the proper nutrients after a workout is as crucial as eating before. During an exercise, your muscles use up glycogen stores for fuel. As a result, your muscles are being depleted of glycogen, and the main proteins in there get broken down or damaged. When you finish your workout, your body tries to rebuild glycogen, and eating even a little snack could help the body restore energy levels and repair and regrow muscle proteins.
Here is the list of nutrients you should list in your after-workout diet:
- Dairy protein
The fact is that only 9g of dairy protein can help your muscles to restart after a regular workout. Other than milk, try to eat:
- Kefir
- Ricotta cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Cottage cheese
Only one cup of low-fat kefir contains 9.2 grams of protein. It has everything necessary for your muscles, including amino acids.
- Eggs
All nutrients from the egg, especially yolk, will surely help you to stimulate your muscles. You’ve probably heard how bodybuilders eat whole eggs after their workout. It’s because of all the necessary proteins for their muscles. Eggs are considered low-calorie food, consisting of egg whites that provide protein and yolk that supplies vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
- Carbohydrates
Eating carbohydrates is the best possible way to reduce the decreases in immunity after exercise. Quinoa is on the top of our list. It’s gluten-free, and it also has a lot of fiber and protein. One cup of quinoa is great for regulating sugar levels in the blood. Also, you can make oatmeal because oats contain about 60% of carbs, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Plus, add some bananas, and it would be the best solution if you have diabetes and train at the same time.
- Water
Staying hydrated during exercise is the crucial part. When you train, your body loses water while sweating, so drinking water before, during, and after a workout helps the body recover.
Post-workout snack and meal ideas
Snacks:
- 1 cup of chocolate milk
- 1-2 hard-boiled eggs with toast
- Two graham crackers with one tablespoon of peanut butter
Meals:
- Green smoothie
- Omelet with avocado and roasted potatoes
- Tuna and crackers
- Oatmeal with banana and whey protein
- Cottage cheese and fruits
Why is a post-workout meal important?
Your body can rebuild glycogen and protein when you exercise, so it would be best if you eat your meal within 45 minutes. It doesn’t need to be complicated. You can get some inspiration from above. After all, if you don’t have much time, you can always take what you have at that moment. Mix some milk with nuts, fruits, add some avocado or spinach, and here you go. Never forget to consume healthy fats. In this case, fat is not that bad if you eat nuts, avocado, and dried fruits. If you want some healthy recipes, call the Chicago weight loss clinic.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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