5 Restoring Post-Workout Snacks
One of the most crucial things we can do to help our bodies benefit from a good workout is replenish with the proper nutrients afterwards. While it might seem counterintuitive, eating within 30 minutes after a workout can actually help boost the metabolism, allowing it to burn more fat and promote muscle repair.
If you exercise in the morning, you can easily refuel with a quick breakfast but if you’re like me and sweat in the evenings, it can be hard to make it home in time and prepare dinner within that 30 minute window. To solve that problem I like to have a few go-to low calorie snacks on hand to help restore my energy levels while I shower and make dinner.
Most nutritionists recommend a small serving of complex carbohydrates that’s high in protein and low in fat so I always try to keep that in mind.
Here’s a list of my current favorites:
1. Carrots with Hummus- You can always find a container of hummus and baby carrots in my fridge! I’m a hummus fiend. :) This combo works great for restoring energy because the carrots are a good source of vitamins and carbohydrates and the hummus provides protein. Done and done.
2. Sliced Apple with Nut Butter- Apples and peanut butter are a childhood favorite for me and just like the carrots and hummus, they’re a great light and healthy pair to help refuel.
3. Handful of Mixed Nuts- Mixed nuts are another convenient source of carbohydrates and protein but because they’re high in fat and calories, it’s important to keep the serving small. I usually limit it to no more than a handful.
4. Glass of Chocolate or Vanilla Soymilk- Silk’s Vanilla Soymilk is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and it offers 8 grams of plant-powered protein per serving which makes it a great option to help muscles repair after exercise. Plus, it doesn’t get much easier than pouring a glass of milk!
5. Hard Boiled Eggs- I try to boil a few organic pastured eggs every week to have on hand for a quick and easy high-protein snack. Because they’re low in carbohydrates, I usually pair them with a small piece of fruit or green juice to help restore glycogen levels.
What are some of your favorite snacks to eat after a workout?
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Great ideas! I’m partial to a banana and nut butter, but I’m an AM exerciser so usually it’s my oatmeal with almond or peanut butter, or eggs and fruit.
Love all these snack ideas! An apple or a banana with PB is probably my fav!
I love apples + PB. It’s just a treat eating that combo haha. I also used to add a splash of maple syrup, and I was in heaven. I’m also a huge fan of dates, but that’s more as a pre-workout food. Look at me jumping categories!
I LOVE apples and peanut butter as a post workout snack! Actually, I love it any time but it does taste especially good when I need some fuel!
Hmmm – I love fruit and PB! Gotta get in those carbs post-workout :) And hummus – my husband is also a fiend, haha! I can barely keep it stocked. No matter how much I buy each week, he eats it allll.
Hi Sarah! Post-workout nutrition is SO important. I actually prefer quicker acting proteins for myself, like you find in protein shakes and powders, as the nuts and nut butters take longer to get through your system. But yes, to SILK!! That’s a great one, in fact I have a carton of the Light Vanilla Soymilk in my fridge right now. Happy sweating, my friend! :)
I love this post! I never ever think about the types of foods I should be eating post workout…I’ll do silly things like drink more coffee and wait too long to eat after a run, and/or not eat enough protein + carbs and end up crashing a couple of hours later. Definitely some great advice all up in huuurr, thanks dear!
I work out first thing in the morning, so breakfast is usually my fuel!