Post-workout snacks are very important due to the fact that your body uses muscle glycogen stores to energize your workout. Replenishing these stores is vital for muscle recovery, muscle growth and repair. If your workouts last for a longer bout of time than normal, you need to replenish throughout the workout. For example, I just ran a marathon and I replenished my body every three or four miles to keep from depleting the energy stores.
Depleted energy stores can cause cramping, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, or early fatigue. By hydrating and refueling your body throughout your workout, you will be able to exercise longer, harder, and more efficiently. I suggest a pre- and post-workout snack every day you workout, and for workouts lasting longer than a hour or so you should replenish during as well. I recommend a low-fat, high-protein snack after your workout.
Top Ten Post-Workout Snacks
1. Protein shake
2. Skim milk
3. Non-fat yogurt
4. Grilled chicken breast
5. Turkey sandwich (mustard instead of mayo)
6. Fruit
7. Tuna/tuna salad
8. Non-fat cottage cheese
9. Low-fat protein bar
10. Egg whites and whole grain wheat bread/toast
Again, these are only a few of the endless possibilities for a nutritious post-workout snack. If you have any questions or success stories please feel free to email me or leave a comment. Good luck!!
See Matt’s Top 10 Pre-Workout Snacks.