What To Eat Post-Workout?
All too often people who hit the gym hard find themselves with the overwhelming urge to eat, A LOT, after their workout. While eating post workout is undoubtedly important, what is even more important is exactly what you put into your body post-workout. If you find that you are ready to load up on the first food you come in contact post-workout, then this is the article for you. Here are some of the best tips and foods that can ensure that you are making the best selections for your post-workout nutrition choices.
Post workout, you are going to want to refuel your body. And this is really important because if you don’t recover your energy levels post-workout, your body won’t recover as well as it potentially could. You’re going to tend to want to overindulge, even in foods that you think are super good for you. But you’re going to want to make sure that everything you put into your body you are doing so mindfully in order to ensure that you don’t go overboard. You may want to consider just eating a couple of small snacks before you plan on eating a full meal. Packing a couple of healthy, portion-controlled snacks in your gym bag or in your car to enjoy after you’re leaving the gym is a good way to refuel and replace what left your body, without putting yourself at risk of packing on all those calories you just worked off.
You’re going to want to load up on protein, carbs, and of course, water. Here are some of the best snacks that you may want to consider enjoying after-gym/post-workout:
- Greek Yogurt and Berries
- Dried Fruit
- Granola
- Pita and Hummus
- Rice Crackers
- Peanut Butter
- Whole Grain Toast
- Raw Nuts and Seeds
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Protein Bars
- Cottage Cheese
- Trail Mix (sans the yogurt or chocolate)
- 100% Whey Protein Concentrate or Isolate
- Ultimate Lean Protein
- Extreme Mass Gainer
Be sure to also fill up on water and electrolytes as they are essential for helping your body to recover. If you do plan on keeping snacks in your car or gym bag, make sure it’s not a huge portion, but instead a properly measured amount that is going to keep you satisfied until your body is recovered enough to make wise choices about your upcoming meal. When it does come time to make the food selection for your next meal, you need to again keep your focus on portion sizes and also ensure that you are getting the needed amount of protein, carbs and veggies/fruits for your needs and health desires. The more you can stay positive and focused on what you are putting into your body with an open and focused mind, the more you can be sure that you are making the best food selections to keep you on track to reaching your goals.