Post Workout Snacks

Do you eat right after your workout? Did you know that you should! Consuming calories within 30 minutes of working out is a MUST to help build muscle and aide recovery. It is essential to refuel with carbs or protein, in addition to electrolytes. Of course, you must consider which post workout snacks are the best. Here are a few suggestions:

• Coconut water and a bagel or low sugar granola bar
• Beef jerky and Gatorade (although beware the amount of sugar; you don't need to chug a gallon of it)
• Almond butter and apple slices
• Bananas (however, coconut water has more potassium in it than bananas, if you're prone to muscle cramps)
• PB&J sandwich
• 1 glass of chocolate milk (it has the carbs, protein, and fats your body needs to repair and build muscle)
• Pineapple or papaya (which have anti-inflammatory enzymes to help speed up recovery)
• Almonds
• Protein bars are also acceptable, but make sure to read the ingredients and carb/protein content (my favorites include... Luna bars, clif bars, Larabars, and Clif Protein Builder bars) 
• Fruit smoothie made with almond milk, honey, and fresh fruit

Hopefully, on this list you'll find something that works for you. However, do not limit yourself to this list. If you workout early in the morning, then eggs or oatmeal would be an adequate post workout meal. If you do not like almond butter, try cashew butter, or stick with peanut butter. Remember this rule: you want either a protein or a carb (both if you are doing high intensity workouts or two workouts in one day), and you want something that is low in sugar and low in fat.... so high protein - low fat, or high carb - low sugar is good way to think about it. 

Happy Sweating,
Dominique