8 Best Healthy Foods to Eat Before and After a Workout!

8 Foods to Eat After a Workout:

Our body uses a lot of energy during exercises that should be replenished properly for the muscles to recover. The two most vital requirements of the body post workout are fluids and carbohydrates which should be taken within half-an-hour of exercising for the body to use the nutrients effectively.

Kiwi:

Kiwi fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients that has more vitamins and minerals per gram compared to any other fruit. It is packed with vitamin C, potassium, fibers and antioxidants that help relieve muscle soreness.

Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and antioxidant nutrients like beta-carotene that protects the body against free radical produced during the workout. It is a rich source of vitamin D and potassium that provides energy boost and helps relieve muscle cramps and injuries suffered during workout.

Dried Fruits and Nuts:

The yummy crunchy snacks are ideal for those days when you are running a bit late. Just have a pack full of mixed dried fruits and nuts in your bag that you can munch on while returning from the gym. Nuts are packed with proteins while dried fruits are a good source of simple carbohydrates that are easily digestible and better supplier of muscle glycogen compared to complex carbohydrates.

Orange Juice:

Replenishment of fluids lost from the body during a workout is extremely important, but instead of gulping energy drinks and sports drinks try natural fruit juices like orange juice that is a great source of vitamin D and potassium that supplies energy and helps in restoring fluid level of the body post exercise. In addition, fruits juices work as effective antiaging agents.

Grilled Chicken with Vegetables:

Grilled chicken and vegetables is the ideal recovery food after a strenuous exercise session when our body is drained out of energy and fluids. It is a dish full of wholesome nutrients that restores protein and carbohydrates in the body without making us feel bloated and full.

Salmon:

Salmon is complete source of nutrients packed with proteins and omega 3 fatty acid- an essential antioxidant with anti-inflammatory  properties that helps lower the level of muscle inflammation during exercise, increase blood flow to muscles thereby reducing muscle soreness, enhances fat burning and slows down muscle loss. It is a complete food that helps the body to maximize the benefits of a workout.

Chocolate Milk:

Put aside the sport and energy drinks and grab a glass of sinfully healthy chocolate milk post workout. Recent research has shown that chocolate milk is one of the most effective post-exercise recovery drinks. It has double the amount of carbohydrates and protein compared to any sports drink or plain milk that is essential for revitalizing the tired muscles. In addition, it also contains calcium, sodium and sugar that helps regain energy.

Cereal with Milk:

Although cereal is a traditional breakfast food but it is actually good during any time of the day. Cereals work wonders as a post exercise snack too. It is a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, fiber and calcium that is vital for muscle recovery and energy. In addition, it also replenishes the post workout fluid needs to certain extent.

Now gift yourself and your loved ones a fitter and healthier you with the help of a planned dietand workout combination and don’t forget to share your diet and fitness tips with us.