Eating a good meal post-workout is just as important as eating a good meal pre-workout. Some people think you can eat just about anything after a workout, especially because after exerting all that energy your hunger is at an all-time high and you can easily devour everything in the kitchen.
If you’re trying to lose weight or lean down, there are specific things you should eat after a workout. Don’t lose all your precious work in the gym by indulging for a few minutes in the kitchen! Here are some meal ideas that are going to keep your body and mind thriving:
Apple and almond butter
Salmon with sweet potato
Oatmeal with protein powder and banana
Whole grain toast and almond butter
Protein shake
Rice crackers and hummus
Greek yogurt parfait with granola and fruit
Omelet with whole-grain toast
All of these post-workout meals are simple to make and provide you with the right nutrition. The timing of your post-workout meal matters, too. You should eat your meal within 45 minutes of working out. Luckily, all of the above suggestions don’t take more than 10 minutes to whip up.
Just make sure your meal consists of protein, healthy fat, and carbs. Protein helps repair and build muscle, healthy fats provide you with necessary vitamins and keep your cravings at bay, and carbs replenish the energy that was lost during a workout so you don’t wilt mid-day. Make sure you get your post-workout meal in but make sure it’s healthy! If you’re on the run, there’s also nothing wrong with picking up a no-sugar-added protein bar or a handful of nuts with a banana.
