It’s Saturday morning and you just got back from a light workout at the gym, or a brisk morning walk. All the activity has left you feeling famished, but you can’t just wolf down anything. It’s important to pay attention to the food you eat after any type of workout as it plays a crucial role in helping your body recover and rebuild…
Let’s elaborate…
When you exercise, your body uses the energy you’ve got stored up and once that energy has been depleted, pushing your body even further could lead to health risks. This is why it’s important to eat for recovery to ensure that your body is getting the energy and nutrients it needs to keep on functioning optimally.
This will help replenish your energy stores, repair the damage to your muscles, and support muscle growth.
Eating the ‘wrong’ foods after workout can result in delayed recovery, fatigue and decreased performance during your next workout. Therefore, it’s important to choose nutrient-dense foods that will help your body recover and rebuild after a workout.
The best foods to dig into, after a workout…
Protein-rich foods: Protein is essential for muscle recovery and growth. Good sources of protein include chicken, fish, lean beef, eggs, beans, tofu, and Greek yogurt.
Complex carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy for your body, and complex carbs are especially important after a workout. Some good sources of complex carbs include brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, whole grain bread, and fruit.
Leafy greens: Leafy greens are a great source of vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation and support recovery. Try adding spinach, kale, or arugula to your post-workout meal.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of healthy fats, which can help reduce inflammation and support muscle recovery. Some good options include almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
Fruits: Fruits are a good source of simple carbs, which can help replenish your body’s glycogen stores after a workout. Some good options include bananas, berries, and pineapple.
Fuel your body the correct way! The right foods after a workout will lay a solid foundation to your body for your next workout.
Written by Unathi Balele for Bona.
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Feature Image: Getty Images
