Ever heard the saying “working up an appetite”? Following a very intense workout, people can feel a little hungry and want to snack. This is normal, though it’s important to try not to ruin all the good work you just put in by binge eating a high calorie, low nutrient meal. Here are five things that you can eat following your workout to nourish your body as it recovers.
Quinoa Bowl
Quinoa contains fiber which helps the body after a workout. This grain is also rich in antioxidants which lowers the risk of heart disease. Quinoa is also a great source of carbs which helps with energy. You can add other things to your bowl like sweet potatoes; pecans and such which will help give you more energy after your workout.
Cottage Cheese
While cottage cheese may not be everyone’s first choice of snack, this creamy snack has a high protein content. Protein is essential for the body in building muscles. You can add fruit to cottage cheese to play around with the flavor. By consuming protein this will help you for your next workout.
Trail Mix
By eating trail mix, you are giving your body a healthy source of fat. Trail mix is also diverse in what it contains, with dried fruit, sometimes some chocolate, and a variety of nuts. Fat helps with energy much like carbs and is easily digestible, which helps the body gain the nutritional values quicker.
Avocado
Once you are finished at the gym or at home, make sure you have ripe avocado on hand. Avocados contain fat to help repair the muscles you have worked, and the vitamins they contain may even help speed up the metabolism. If you pair this with a slice of whole wheat bread, you will gain more fiber and energy to help you after a challenging workout.
Sweet Potatoes
One thing you should make a point of eating after visiting the gym are carbs. Sweet potatoes are a great source of carbs and vitamin A. So when it comes to your next session at the gym, you may feel you have more energy. Just remember to avoid using lots of butter or sugary marshmallows. Try some different seasons to add a more savory flavor!
Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.