Post-Workout Foods – What To Eat After A Workout?

Working out alone won’t keep you fit and healthy; you need to eat the right foods too. Here are 10 best post-workout foods for muscle growth.

Getting in some physical activity every day is important to live a healthy lifestyle. A long walk, practicing yoga, or a full-fledged workout regimen are all effective ways to get in some fitness.

Just as important as working out is eating right. Making conscious choices during every meal can help you feel better all day, every day.

The meals you eat before a workout are vital to getting the energy you need to work hard. Not only that, but the food you eat after is important too.

After working out, your body needs fuel to recover and stay strong. There are so many post-workout foods, blends, and shakes on the market, but not all of them work the same way.

Choosing the right foods after a workout is tricky, but there are options to help you feel strong and stay fit.

Top 10 Post-Workout Foods

These ten post-workout foods make great meals or snacks after a good workout:

1. Avocado

The food you choose to eat after a workout should be high in all types of nutrients, vitamins, and other healthy products.

Fresh produce is always a healthy choice, especially avocados. These bright green fruits are rich in healthy fat that your body craves after putting in hard work.

Avocados are also high in potassium and B vitamins to help muscles and bones stay strong.

The vitamins and fat concentration are great for muscle recovery and boosting your metabolism to help with maintaining a healthy weight.

2. Eggs

Plain avocados are no fun. Pairing them with other healthy food like eggs can create a full meal after a workout.

Eggs are great to eat after a workout because of all the protein they contain. The protein aids in muscle recovery to prevent soreness and keep you strong.

Prepare them any way you like; scrambled, hard-boiled, poached, or as an omelet with other vegetables. They are great for an after-workout meal.

3. Fruits

If you have a sweet tooth after pushing your body to the max, the fruit is the healthy fix for you.

Berries, apples, and bananas make great post-workout treats to satisfy your sugar craving. You can get the sweet treat taste you love without the processed ingredients in other sugary snacks.

Fruit makes a great quick snack if you are in a hurry after your workout, but can also be a side to a more complete meal.

4. Low-Carb Protein Bars

Another perfect option for a quick bite after a workout is a protein bar, though you should be conscious of the carb content in many of them.

According to Gift Wits, there are plenty of options for protein bars that do not contain an unhealthy amount of carbohydrates.

You should get the protein that you need without the carbs to slow you down after a good workout.

5. Poultry

For a more complete meal, a protein bar or fruit just won’t cut it. Takeout might seem appealing because of how easy it is to pick up, but cooking at home is a much healthier alternative post-workout.

Poultry, like turkey or chicken, is a great source of protein after a good workout. Prepare them however you like, whether baked or grilled, to make sure you enjoy it completely.

You can try new recipes, but make sure to stick to ones that are low in extra ingredients. Enjoy the natural flavors of the meat to get the most health benefits from the meal.

6. Nuts

Quick snacks are perfect when they are small and contain many healthy nutrients. Nuts are one of the easiest to eat and make the perfect snack after working out.

Many nuts are great sources of carbohydrates that your body wants to break down. They also contain vital protein for a well-rounded diet.

Find the kind of nuts you love. Pistachios, cashews, peanuts, almonds, or walnuts are all tasty snacks that contain so many health benefits.

7. Greek Yogurt

Especially during the warmer month, cold snacks are what you definitely crave. Ice cream is a good treat on occasion, but Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative.

Greek yogurt is especially high in protein, which your body needs after it is put to work. There are many flavors to enjoy, or you can stick to the basics and mix in some fruit.

Greek yogurt is so versatile that you really can’t go wrong with it. It makes a great snack or can act as a meal with the right fixings.

Go guilt-free with Greek yogurt to get the nutrients you need without the harmful additives.

8. Fish

Pickier eaters might shy away from this one, but fish is actually a great source of protein after a workout.

Many kinds of fish contain the protein your body craves, especially after working hard. Salmon, trout, or tilapia all make delicious meals and have vitamins for days.

Steaming the fish you enjoy is a great way to keep out other ingredients that may increase the fat or sugar content. Putting it on the grill can also add some more flavor and make it a little healthier.

9. Whole Wheat Toast

Carbs are good for the body in moderation, and some carbs are healthier than others. Making more conscious carb choices can help you enjoy what you love without the guilt.

Whole wheat toast is the ideal carb for a snack or a breakfast side. Add some eggs however you enjoy them prepared to complete a meal.

Spreading some avocado on your whole-wheat toast is another great post-workout option to get in more nutrients that your body craves.

Get creative with how you dress it up without depleting the work you put in during the workout.

10. Peanut Butter

Protein, protein, protein! Peanut butter is full of it. Spread it on toast or dip apples in it for a tasty snack at any time of the day.

A peanut butter sandwich on whole-wheat bread is also a great lunch. Pair it with fruit or yogurt to feel good about what you eat and still feel full.

Eating healthy does not mean losing out on the flavors you love. Keep a consistently healthy diet and snack on these post-workout foods to feel the benefits of exercise for a long time.