The key ingredients to a post-workout meal are protein and carbohydrates. Protein provides the amino acid profile that your body needs. Amino acids are the building blocks for your muscles. Carbohydrates provide energy. The energy from carbohydrates are converted into glycogen, which is the primary fuel source for your muscles and brain. These two nutrients work hand in hand for muscle recovery.
Next: How Much Do You Eat?
The recommended ratio is technically 4:1, carbohydrates: protein. To make this a simple decision, be sure to include 1 serving of protein and 1 serving of carbohydrate, as a minimum. You will need to adjust the amount according to the size of your meal, your calorie needs, your size, the intensity of your workout and how hungry you are. Typically you should plan for this snack to be roughly 200-300 calories post workout. As a reminder: your unique needs will determine how many calories will encourage best workout recovery. Experiment and see what feels good in your body!
Ideally you want to eat immediately after a work out, but if you feel you cannot do this then eat atleast within the hour post-workout
1. Protein shake:
- 1 serving of protein of choice + milk or water + 1 serving of fruit
- go crazy here and even add a handful of greens for extra punch
- Greek yogurt + banana or fruit of choice + granola sprinkled on top
- 2 scrambled eggs or egg whites + 1 slice of whole wheat toast
- 1 banana, mushed
- 1 scoop protein powder of choice
- 1/2 cup granola
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- Mix ingredients. Spread on wax paper and cover. Freeze for 90 minutes. Thaw in microwave if needed for 10 seconds. Recipe based off of Tony Horton’s Sticky Bar.
- grab a serving size of your favorite wheat crackers with a dose of toppings
- whole wheat crackers + hummus or peanut butter or cheese
- latte + hard boiled egg or spoonful of peanut butter
- find a protein bar that agrees with your body and provides you the energy you need
- sliced deli meat + cheese + fruit of choice
- peanut butter + sliced banana + slice of whole wheat toast
- combination of favorite nuts with a side of your choice
- 20-30 almonds + fruit of choice + granola bar
- 20-30 almonds + greek yogurt
- 3-4 tbsp hummus + apple slices + slice of whole wheat bread
- 3-4 tbps hummus + carrot sticks + pita bread
- 1/4 c. beans of choice + 2 tablespoons hummus + small pita or wrap
- 1/4 c. beans of choice + shredded cheese + small pita or wrap
- 1/4 c. beans of choice + salsa + small pita or wrap
- oatmeal + protein powder + fruit topping
- oatmeal + 1 tbsp. peanut butter
So hopefully that is enough options for everyone! Go get your workout on!! and now you have the tools to feed those muscles after that AMAZING workout! Keep up the hard work and thanks for following :)
XOXO
Jenna Lyne
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