5 Best Post-Workout Foods for Optimal Recovery
There’s not much to rival that glorious post workout feeling—you’re glowing from the inside out—pumped, strong, empowered. Sitting down to a meal can feel a little, well, unappetizing after a strenuous workout. There’s a good chance you won’t even be hungry. But here’s why you should workout and some of the best post-workout foods.
Ideally, you eat within 30-60 minutes of a strong workout. This is considered a recovery meal to help your muscles, bones, and joints replenish whatever’s been lost during your session. Of course you want protein to help do this, but you don’t need to sit down to a steak. In fact, the opposite may be just what you need. Do any of these post-workout foods surprise you?
- Leafy greens: Not only is protein found in many dark leafy greens, but these vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and amino acids that can help the body to repair itself.
- Beans: You get a nice protein burst from any kind of bean, pea or lentil, but they also have something that steak doesn’t: healthy carbs. Not only that, but beans are a great source of fiber, too, which helps the body remove any toxins that may have been released during the workout.
- Fats: Coconut oil, olive oil, hemp seeds are all delicious and healthy plant sources of healthy fats which can help the body rebuild and repair quickly with the extra calories and easily absorbed good sources of fats.
- Whey: This super protein powder is something we know a thing or two about! But don’t take our word for it; there’s enough research out there to prove that a high-quality whey protein (grass-fed, organic) can be a real recovery food giving you the protein you need in a clean and delicious way. It’s a great option if a full-on meal seems out of the question after a workout. Sip on a whey smoothie instead!
- Whole grains: Oats, amaranth, quinoa, even brown rice, all contain healthy amino acids and protein that can assist in a workout recovery. Like beans, they are also excellent sources of fiber and healthy carbs to give your body the extra energy and recovery boost.
Image: Stacey Spensley
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