Replacing nutrients after a workout

Everyone knows that exercising and eating healthy food go hand in hand. If you want to have a healthier lifestyle, you need to change both of these aspects to obtain the best results. Perhaps you already have a workout routine and just need to focus on making the dietary changes that will maximise the benefits of your workout. There are foods that are important to eat before you workout so that you have the necessary energy to exercise. However, it is equally important to eat certain foods after you exercise.

You should probably consider our ketogenic diet discussion if you like working out.

Why should I eat specific foods after I workout?

While working out, you are using up valuable energy that your body has stored. If you are weightlifting or working your muscles in an attempt to build bulk, or even if you are just trying to tone your muscles, you are using the muscle protein that you have stored up. If you want to keep that muscle, it is necessary that you eat foods that are energy rich and full of protein so that you can restore that balance. Many people use protein shakes as an opportunity to get quick protein into the body without having to do much to change their diet, but it is easy to get protein through a good meal plan.

What are some good foods to eat?

  • Carbohydrates are super important to eat after working out because these are the foods that provide our body with the energy that we need to function. If you do not replace the carbohydrates in your body, you will find yourself feeling lethargic and not being able to perform in the manner that you usually would. You do need to be careful when eating carbs that you are eating the kind that are healthy for you and not eating starchy carbohydrates that may cause weight gain. Eating healthy carbohydrates derived from fruit, vegetables, and whole grains is the best way to get the energy that you need while also filling your body with healthy food.
  • Protein can be included in your diet in different ways. If you enjoy drinking shakes or smoothies, you can replace a meal with a shake or adding it as a snack after your workout. Alternatively, many foods offer protein. Eating healthy lean meats like chicken and fish gives you a great deal of protein while also filling up your body.
  • Vegetables are one of the best foods to eat in general, but they are also helpful after workout. As well as carbohydrates, you can also get many vitamins and minerals that are not found in other foods. By eating vegetables you are keeping your body full of those vitamins that you may not be getting otherwise, even if you take a multivitamin supplement.

If you want to be sure that you can reap the benefits of your workout to the most that you can, and you are not already implementing the dietary changes needed, you should look into eating some post workout foods to replace what you have depleted during your workout! The changes can be easy to make, and can make a huge difference in how you feel and how your body performs!