Many people do not understand the importance of post-workout meals after their gym sessions. They put more effort into preparing their pre-workout meals and their workout routines. But consuming post-workout snacks helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and body.
When you consume the right nutrients after your workouts, it helps rebuild your muscle proteins and glycogen storage; thus stimulating new muscle growth. Some people go for protein bars due to the role protein plays in muscle synthesis. However, there are other snacks packed with nutrients to refuel and replenish your energy after your workout.
Post-Workout Snack Ideas
Let’s take a look at some quick and easy post-workout snack ideas you can enjoy.
Turmeric smoothie
The human body produces more lactic acid after a workout. The primary goal is to find the right snack to recover. While many people go for protein after working out, it might not be the best thing to take since it contains acid.
Your post-workout snacks should have an alkaline effect and act as an anti-inflammatory supplement. Smoothie with berries, frozen bananas, and a one-inch piece of turmeric with water and agave can prepare the body to take something acidic after some minutes.
Sunbutter and dates
Sunbutter is made with sunflower seeds instead of nuts and offers you protein, while dates are high in potassium. Potassium helps the body revitalize post-workout and flushes out water weight and excess salt.
The snack is highly nutritious and delicious to try. For people suffering from nut allergies, sunbutter and dates can be their perfect snack.
Dates are high in sugar, but they do not spike the blood sugar immediately. Rather, dates offer a type of slow-releasing carb that provides energy. Try consuming about four dates, some minutes before a workout.
Greek Yogurt and Berries
Greek yogurt and berries is a powerful post-workout snack. You can pick any flavored Greek yogurt for this meal. The snack is nutrient-dense and contains a digestible protein that helps repair and restores the muscles after an intense workout.
The muscles deplete amino acids after your workout, and the body requires an adequate supply of protein to rebuild the muscles. Low-fat yogurt and berries contain the right amount of protein and carbohydrates, respectively, which is ideal for your post-workout snack.
Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie
You can go for a protein shake made from half banana, water, and whey protein to help your body regain energy fast. Adding nut or nut butter to your yogurt can be more filling. Peanut butter and banana smoothie with almond milk, a touch of cinnamon, and protein powder can boost your energy.
The post-workout snack rejuvenates your body and provides the body with long-lasting energy. The cinnamon functions to control your blood sugar and avoid crashing after your intense workout.
Chocolate milk
If you do not have time to prepare a power smoothie, you can go for chocolate milk. This snack provides 23 grams of carbs and 8 grams of protein in 8 ounces. Chocolate milk refuels the body, making it a favorite among athletes. Studies show that people feel less sore in their muscles by taking chocolate milk after an intense workout.
Drinking low-fat chocolate milk after your work helps prep the muscles to function better. While the preparation of this post-workout snack is simple, its benefits are immense for people who consume it after a workout.
Fruity oatmeal
A steaming bowl of oats is an ideal post-workout snack, especially when you like fruits like berries, citrus, pears, or apples for an antioxidant boost. If you have missed the old-fashioned oatmeal, you are missing the benefits of its whole grain.
Oatmeal helps with worn-down muscle repair and fills up an empty stomach. You can start enjoying oatmeal after your workout.
A ½ cup serving of oats contains about 4 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein, and 27 grams of carbs. Oats also contain beta-glucan, a fiber that lowers cholesterol. You can amp up your protein when you take oats with milk and your favorite fruit.
Protein Popcorn
A bag of fat-free or low-fat popcorn served with a sprinkle of chocolate whey protein powder can work magic on your body after a workout. While many people run from popcorn because of its fat content, go for the low fat and enjoy this sumptuous snack.
Popcorn is a whole grain source to replace your glycogen storage after your workout. When you sprinkle the whey protein powder on your popcorn, it nourishes your muscles and assists with recovery.
For something more filling, you can try tuna and crackers after your workout. You may not find it an easy task to whip up a fillet of salmon, especially after a workout session. However, you can go for a canned tuna on your grain crackers.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain about 2 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 24 grams of carbs, and 100 calories. After a workout, enjoy your sweet potatoes meal with lean protein, such as a piece of grilled chicken. Sweet potatoes taken as a post-workout snack offers you nutrients and vitamins, including vitamins B6, C, D, potassium, iron, and magnesium.
Consuming protein, some fats, and carbohydrates after a workout can help the body produce protein and promote recovery. You should arrange a healthy snack after exercise. Do not forget to replace electrolytes and fluids by drinking water after a workout.
Hey Joyfreshers, what are your favorite post-workout snacks to refuel and replenish your body? Let us know below.
Resources
