How to Choose a Smart Post-Workout Snack
Refueling your body after a workout is important for maximizing the effects of your session and for keeping your energy levels up for the rest of the day. So what exactly does your body need after a sweat session? Let’s chat.
Protein tends to get most of the glory when it comes to optimizing exercise efforts, after all, it helps to repair and rebuild your muscles. However, carbohydrates are just as essential to post-exercise recovery as protein, especially in the long term. Carbohydrates replenish important energy stores in muscles, ensuring your energy stays up throughout the day and may even impact your next workout.
Exact amounts of carbohydrates and protein vary from person to person and according to the length and intensity of exercise. However, research supports the ratio of 3:1 grams of carbohydrates to grams of protein.
A few snack suggestions are below and remember to stay hydrated before, during and after your workout too!
- Protein shake with fruit
- Peanut butter on toast
- String cheese and a piece of fruit
- Greek yogurt with berries
- Hummus and pita or veggies
- Apple/banana with nut butter
- Nuts and a piece of fruit
- Hard boiled egg and toast
