Just hit the gym? Then why are you reaching for that slice of pizza? Don’t waste your hard work by not eating correctly after exercising. Snacks that are high in protein are the best because they replenish your body which makes your muscles grow. Try these simple, healthy post-workout snacks to refuel your body and get the most out of your gym session.
Kicked-Up Greek Yogurt
Photo by Aly Forman
1 container of your favorite plain, low-fat Greek yogurt
1 whole banana
3/4 cup of dark chocolate chips
Plain, low-fat Greek yogurt is the perfect post workout food. It does not have any fat and has a high amount of protein and vitamin D, which is good for rebuilding muscles. The potassium from the banana and the antioxidants from the dark chocolate chips make this snack the ultimate nutrient combination that will leave you feeling full and recharged.
Photo by Aly Forman
Power Wrap
1 whole wheat tortilla
1 serving of your favorite peanut butter
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3-4 sliced strawberries
1/2 cup of blueberries
Photo by Aly Forman
Place all of the above ingredients inside your wrap. This snack can also be done with other nut-butters, such as almond butter, and other fruits like apples. Try to stick with the whole-wheat wrap since whole grains contain a great deal of fiber. Fiber makes your body work more to digest and helps to boost your metabolism.
Tropical Trail Mix
Combine a half a handful of the following:
Raisins
Dried banana chips
Dried coconut
Macadamia nuts
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Dark chocolate chips
Almonds
The salty nuts pack the protein, while the dried fruit and the chocolate provide the extra sweetness to make the ultimate salty-sweet, post-workout snack. Feel free to play around with this and make it your own. (Just avoid chocolate candies or milk chocolate).
Photo by Aly Forman
Make sure you are drinking plenty of water to hydrate after exercising. In addition to this, researchers and exercise scientists have proven that chocolate milk is the best drink after a workout. Now, you can truly feel good about yourself knowing that you exercised hard and had a beneficial snack to complete the workout.
For the gym rats out there, you might also enjoy:
6 Excuses to Eat Before Your Workout
9 Foods to Eat After a Workout
How to Eat for the Perfect Workout