The 9 Best Post-Workout Foods
The difference between an elite-level athlete and an average one can often be tied to recovery. The best athletes know and understand that the physiological adaptions they want to get stronger, faster and fitter also come through recovery — not just from workouts.
Overview
The difference between an elite-level athlete and an average one can often be tied to recovery. The best athletes know and understand that the physiological adaptions they want to get stronger, faster and fitter also come through recovery — not just from workouts. What you eat and drink after a workout plays a key role, but many athletes don't pay enough attention it. Here are the rules of recovery and the nine most recommended post-workout foods with easy tips and recipes on how to enjoy them.
The Rules of Recovery
Performance studies measuring recovery conclude that rehydrating is most important, followed by replenishing depleted carbohydrate stores (glycogen) and getting enough amino acids from protein to stimulate muscle-protein synthesis. The recommended combination includes: 15 to 25 grams of quality protein with 0.5 to 0.75 grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight post-exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends carbohydrates within the first 30 minutes of stopping exercise to optimize the update of glucose and amino acids into muscles, but other research suggests that the body is primed for recovery for the first few hours after exercise.
1. Beets
This uncommon crimson produce pick provides unique compounds — nitrates and betalains, which can help the body transfer oxygen to muscles more efficiently, aid muscle contraction, lower blood pressure and act as potent antioxidants. Studies show that beetroot juice as well as cooked beets can improve performance when eaten pre-exercise, but they also have post-exercise benefits too. HOW TO ENJOY: Beets are quite versatile and can be enjoyed baked, roasted, juiced, pickled or grated into your favorite dishes. Consider pairing earthy beets with goat cheese and arugula for a colorful salad or enjoy them simply roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper. They're also great blended into recovery smoothies.
Related: The 20 Best Smoothie Ingredients
2. Eggs
Nutrient-packed eggs are considered a "perfect protein," meaning it provides all nine essential amino acids. Studies show that the protein in eggs promotes a significant increase in resistance muscle strength among athletes. One large egg provides 70 calories, six grams of high-quality protein, five grams of total fat and a wide variety of important vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin D, zinc and choline. HOW TO ENJOY: Whether over easy, scrambled, hardboiled or sunny side up, eggs are delicious regardless of the preparation. Partner with a high-quality carb like whole-grain bread or fresh berries, or combine them with a banana to create protein pancakes.
Related: 11 Easy New Egg Recipes You Haven't Already Tried
3. Greek Yogurt
With a whopping 14 grams of protein and just 100 calories per six-ounce serving, plain Greek yogurt boasts an ideal protein-to-calorie ratio, which makes it a great post-workout treat. Greek yogurt is an easy, portable snack you can enjoy after working out or use to make great recovery drinks. Keep in mind that you'll want to stay away from sugary "fruit on the bottom" varieties, as these are loaded with refined sugar and unnecessary calories. HOW TO ENJOY: Add fresh fruit for the optimal protein-to-carbohydrate combination that's so beneficial for exercise recovery and muscle growth. If you want a change of pace from yogurt and berries, oats or Grape Nuts are great options.
Related: Which Type of Yogurt Is Best for You?
4. Watermelon
This sweet fruit is 92-percent water, making it the perfect choice to help rehydrate. Two cups of watermelon have just 80 calories and is a good source of vitamin C, lycopene, potassium and vitamin A. In a small study, athletes who consumed watermelon juice experienced up to 40 percent less muscle soreness 24 hours after exercise compared with athletes who didn't consume watermelon juice. HOW TO ENJOY: It's perfect on it's own or blended into a smoothie. Just blend two cups of watermelon chunks, one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of mint leaves, six ounces of nonfat Greek yogurt and a dash of cinnamon. This smoothie provides approximately 28 grams of carbohydrates, 20 grams of protein, zero grams of fat and 190 calories.
5. Salmon
Salmon is best known for being an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, omega-3s have been shown to help improve glucose tolerance and promote lean body mass. Good fats, like the ones found in salmon, play an essential role in hormone production and can thus aid in muscle growth. Further, the fat found in lean protein can elevate your metabolic rate, which helps you to shed additional fat and build lean muscle mass. Its high protein content — about 17 grams per three-ounce serving — provides essential amino acids to help rebuild muscle tissue. HOW TO ENJOY: Salmon is delicious when served grilled over a colorful salad or broiled in the oven with lemon and thyme.
Related: The 9 Safest Seafood Options
6. Berries
Berries are rich in immune-boosting, disease-fighting antioxidants, which can help squash the oxidative stress the body endures after intense bouts of exercise. The antioxidants in berries help mitigate the high level of oxidative stress (which leads to further muscle-tissue damage) associated with exhaustive exercise. Fortunately, by increasing intake of antioxidant-rich foods like berries exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation caused by free radicals is diminished. HOW TO ENJOY: Berries are delicious when paired with a protein-rich snack like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, string cheese or a handful of nuts. You can also incorporate them into a smoothie with a protein powder of your choice.
7. Quinoa
This delicious ancient grain has more protein than most other grains (four grams per half-cup serving) and is rich in iron and fiber. It's considered a complete protein because it has all of the nine essential amino acids the body needs to function properly. Studies show a link between protein-rich foods and increases in physical performance, training session recovery, lean body mass, muscle hypertrophy and strength. An additional perk of this trendy superfood? It's also gluten-free. HOW TO ENJOY: Quinoa makes for a great hot breakfast cereal and is especially delicious when flavored with nutmeg or cinnamon and garnished with fresh fruit. This nutritious, muscle-enhancing food is also quite tasty in salads or paired with dried cranberries and slivered almonds.
Related: 13 Powerful Grains and Seeds
8. Turkey
The Thanksgiving star is often overlooked for the rest of the year, but it's an affordable source of high-quality protein to provide the essential amino acids your body needs to recover. As a general rule, endurance athletes need about 1.2 to 1.4 grams per kilogram of body weight, and serious strength athletes need 1.6 to 1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. And a higher-protein diet may help some athletes retain muscle mass while keeping body fat levels low. HOW TO ENJOY: Roll turkey slices in lettuce and enjoy in wraps with spicy mustard or place turkey in a whole-wheat pita and garnish with avocado and tomato salsa. Or whip up a batch of turkey meatballs and serve over whole-grain pasta.
9. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a favorite among many all-star athletes. It's a good source of plant-based protein and healthy good-for-you fats. A tablespoon of peanut butter contains about 95 calories, four grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and 3.5 grams of hunger-squashing protein. It's loaded with B vitamins, magnesium and vitamin E, which helps prevent free-radical damage after heavy workouts so you can recover more quickly. Whenever possible, opt for an all-natural brand of peanut butter with no added sugars or oils. HOW TO ENJOY: Try peanut butter on a whole-grain bagel or on waffles or pancakes. Or pair with fruit like bananas, apples or pears — raw or in a smoothie.
Related: 13 Types of Nut and Seed Butters
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What Do YOU Think?
Are you concerned about what you eat after you exercise? If so, what types of foods do you focus on? Are there any tips or tricks that you can share? Which are your favorites from the list? What would you add? Let us know in the comments below!