After finishing a workout, eating something is essential to aid in your body’s recovery, but what should you be eating? The easiest thing to do would be to run to McDonald’s or 7-Eleven to grab a bite, but eating processed foods that are high in calories and sodium are counterproductive. Here are 5 post workout snacks you should be eating instead:
1.Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie – Slice a small banana,add 2 tablespoons peanut butter, ½ a cup of unsweetened almond milk, 1 scoop of protein powder (optional) and a pinch of cinnamon. Blend together. This smoothie is packed with protein and will provide you with long lasting energy so you don’t crash after your workout.
2.Greek Yogurt with Nuts – Don’t have access to a blender? Pick up an apple and some yogurt from any supermarket or 7-eleven. Yogurt is dense with nutrients and protein which helps to repair your muscles right after a workout. Nuts are high in protein and healthy fats. Recommended portion size is about a handful of nuts.
3.Sweet Potato with some lean protein – After a tough day of cardio, it’s a good thing to replenish your glycogen stores with some carbohydrates. A sweet potato is a low calorie snack with a good amount of carbohydrates and fiber. Add a grilled chicken breast or a piece of fish to give you enough protein to build lean muscle!
4.Turkey sandwich on Whole Grain Bread- This sandwich is great to eat post workout because it contains protein in the turkey and the bread will give you the carbohydrates your body needs to recover! Add some fresh tomatoes and lettuce and this sandwich packs a punch! Be sure that you are eating whole grain bread instead of white bread because white bread is made from refined grains that have been stripped of their fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
5. Fresh Fruit Parfait- Add yogurt to a glass with 2 tablespoons of granola, and top it with your favorite fresh fruits! Yogurt provides the protein source while the granola is packed with fiber, essential fatty acids vitamins and minerals. Refer to the Body Breakthrough Cookbook for a great fresh fruit parfait recipe!