Working out, and making sure you’re active, is important. But what’s more important? The foods you eat when you’re not active. What you consume after a workout is going to make or break you. There are certain foods that are perfect for post-workouts because they can repair your muscles after the gym, burn fat, and curb hunger. Are you eating the right foods once you leave the gym? Let’s find out. Here’s what you should be eating after you burn calories.
Protein Shake
Obviously! Protein shakes are the best. You can make them at home if you have the ingredients or you can go somewhere and buy your own.With protein shakes it is for you to really look at the ingredients and calories in your shake. If your protein shake is high in calories, and you eat food an hour later, you might be consuming too many calories.
And, if your allergic to dairy (like me) it’s important to make sure your protein shake is non-dairy. My go-to is pea protein because it’s dairy free and delicious.
Almonds
Almonds are great for you; especially after a workout. Not only can they burn fat, but nuts have a lot of protein and can provide your body with healthy fats. Plus, nuts curb your hunger. I’m not saying you should just eat almonds after you leave the gym, but if you mix nuts into your after workout meal, you’ll feel full longer.
Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk is becoming all the rage! And that’s because chocolate milk has everything you could possibly need. Protein, carbs, calcium, sugar, and other ingredients that will restore the energy you might’ve lost while working out. AND, chocolate milk tastes very good!
Eggs
Why should you eat eggs after a workout? PROTEIN. Your body needs protein post-workout and eggs will provide you with that protein! What you probably don’t know is that eggs are one of the only foods that have Vitamin D; which is responsible for your immune system and helping your bones grow.
If you have the time to whip up more of a meal after your workout, grill up some chicken. Grill, not fry! Chicken is a lean protein with carbohydrates that’ll keep you feeling full during the day without any bloating. If you’re looking to add something to your dish, get some veggies.
Cottage Cheese
Not everyone loves cottage cheese, but it’s a great post-workout food. Cottage cheese will provide your body with protein and carbohydrates while also improving your hydration; which is really important after a high-intensity workout. Feel free to add some fruit on top of your cottage cheese for an added flavor.
Oranges
Eat an orange. Or, put oranges in your protein shake. Just make sure you consume an orange some way after a workout because this fruit is awesome. When you exercise, your body naturally absorbs nutrients and can make you feel dehydrated. Oranges put those nutrients back into your body, while also giving you some much-needed minerals.
Pancakes
More specifically, protein pancakes! These pancakes are so filling and they have oh so much protein in them. The carbs in these cakes will help retain your muscle tissue and keep you nice and full. If you want to make your own, you’ll be able to find some delicious recipes online!
Oatmeal
Honestly, oatmeal is good pre or post-workout! But what makes oatmeal so good after a workout is that it can refuel you. “Whole grains” are fueled with protein and fiber. What I love most about oatmeal is that you can add other ingredients to it. You can add almonds, cinnamon, and fruit to your oatmeal to make it a more filling meal.