Post Workout Nutrition
Diet goes with exercise the same way that Simon goes with Garfunkel. Which is why nutrition before, during, and after a workout is so vitally important to not only fuel your body but to making sure that it’s at its optimum level of output. We’ll be going over what would be the best course, in terms of food, for you to take after you have finished sweating it out at the gym, in the pool or on the court.
Drink water, drink water, drink water
This is the most important step. After working out your body has been depleted of its normal nutrients, the most important one being water because of sweat and perspiration. You need water to fuel your muscles as well as get your body back on track to recovery after your workout. Water is the number one fuel that drives our body to be what it can be and it’s important to drink at least one glass after your workout. Another important thing to remember is to drink water before and during your workout as well. While you can drink sports drinks, some of them tend to be packed with extra sugar which can get your workout off track. Keeping it simple and clean with your H20 can really make a difference.
Carbs before, protein after
There’s a mantra you should start repeating to yourself whenever you’re working out and it is: carbs before and protein after. Carbs fuel your workout, while protein helps restore your body. After your workout your body not only needs fuel in the form of food, but it needs the correct nutrients from that food. Eating protein after your workout is simple to remember because you need to eat protein in order to bring that vitamin back into your muscles. Eating something like grilled salmon is the perfect choice because of its healthy proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. You can also whip up a quick veggie omelette or drink some chocolate milk right after your workout. All of these foods are loaded with protein so try ingesting them after your workout. Experts say no later than an hour after exercising because your body will thank you for it.
Not just a Flintstone vitamin
The vitamins that you lose over the course of working out tend to vary but overall your body runs through them just as fast as you’re running on the treadmill. Glycogen, protein, and carbohydrates are some of the nutrients that are lost during your average workout. This is why it’s recommended that you eat the right food after you’re done exercising. Another tip to keep in mind when it comes to food and working out is eating something like a banana can be a great way to give your body a boost of potassium. Potassium is a very important electrolyte that helps your body restore fluids after exercise. The food that you eat after your workout is just as important as the rest of your meals throughout the day, if not more so.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to eating anything after your workout is restoration. You’re eating so your body can regain what it had before. Eat healthy so you can carry on throughout the day so you aren’t dragged down by eating bad foods. If you eat with any of these tips in mind then you’ll be set to not only have a great healthy day, but a great after workout glow.
