What to Eat After a Workout

Refuel your body after a workout sesh with these foods…

Did you know that what you eat post-workout is one of the most important ways to stay healthy? After a sweat session, it is imperative that the body be replenished so muscles can start to heal. As you work out, the body uses its nutrients as stress is put on the joints and muscles, so eating healthy foods (as early as 30-60 minutes after a workout) not only builds strength and muscles but also promotes healing. See, the body relies on glucose (the sugar stored in our body used for exertion) and adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, to feed our muscles and give us energy during a workout. Once they start to deplete, the body tries to make more ATP by requiring extra oxygen. Blood is pumped to the muscles being used to distribute that much-needed extra O2. But without the extra O2, lactic acid forms in the muscles, causing post-workout soreness. Tiny tears are formed on these muscles — eating the right recovery food after the workout aids in delivering the needed nutrients to help improve the function of the cells and repair the body.

Still with me? Check out the helpful graph below that breaks down what the body needs: good fats, healthy carbohydrates and protein. These foods will stabilize blood sugar, build strength, repair damage and refuel your body.

PostWorkoutFood

+What is your post-workout go-to grub?

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7 years ago

Very helpful. I’m always scared of eating the wrong thing so I’ll stick to a protein shake. Thanks!

http://www.thelifeshecreated.com

7 years ago

This is so useful thank you! After a morning workout I like mashed avocado on toast with an egg on top and a few tomatoes, it’s delicious and packed with protein!

Emma xo // http://www.thewallflowerwardrobe.co.uk/

Ev
7 years ago
7 years ago

lovely post, I usually have a banana and peanut butter after my workout, i find i can’t have a whole amount of food after exercising. I usually have a bowl of oats before hand and that really helps my workouts to be more effective.

http://www.thewhimsicalwildling.com/

7 years ago

Good stuff – thanks.