Fueling Up After Maxing Out: 5 Beneficial Post-Workout Foods
Whether you're running, lifting, or doing yoga, your body is constantly fighting to keep you strong during a workout. But by the time you finish, you're tired and probably craving some food. You worked hard to burn those calories so you deserve snacks that will support your progress. Exercise gives you the best results when you have a strong diet to back it up.
To reinforce your effort, there are healthy snacks that help you refuel after the gym. So instead of going on a post-workout eating binge, enjoy these healthy snacks that naturally energize your body and help strengthen your muscles.
1. Chocolate milk
The proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, and calcium in chocolate milk are exactly the elements your body lacks after a draining day at the gym. Now you have an excuse to indulge in a tall glass of chocolate milk just like back in elementary school.
2. Bananas
Bananas are filled with potassium, which naturally helps your body recover from muscle cramps. Peeling a few after your workout will take the pain away from your aching muscles.
3. Cereal
The carbohydrates in most types of cereal help replenish your body's energy supply. Since all that cardio and weight training have drained most of your energy, a nice bowl of cereal gives you fuel for all your post-workout activities.
4. Eggs
Whether they're sunny side up, scrambled, or hard-boiled, eggs are high in protein, which is essential for muscle growth. To reduce the added cholesterol of eggs, try removing the yolk and snack on egg whites instead.
5. Pineapple
A juicy pineapple dripping with vitamin C is exactly what your body needs to recover from all that wear and tear at the gym. The vitamin C in pineapples acts as an antioxidant aiding in the healing process and promoting muscle tissue growth.
Though your arms may be tired after a tough workout, reach for these snacks to re-energize your body and support your progress.
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