Eating beforehand would benefit any situation affecting performance and muscle maintenance or growth. The days when we believed that people who exercise for endurance need carbohydrates and people who train for resistance needed protein before and after their workouts are long gone. Every athlete demands both. Anyone who performs both endurance or cardio and resistance training sessions back-to-back would benefit from fueling-up before their activity and potentially eating some protein and carbohydrates in between the two exercises, depending on how long their double session is expected to last. [1]
Why is it Necessary to Eat After a Workout?
To begin with, an individual must replenish the carbohydrates and glycogen (glucose stored in their muscles) they just used up during their workout.
After a workout, one should eat high-quality protein to help rebuild and repair damaged muscle tissue and promote muscle protein synthesis, which is crucial for muscle recovery and exercise adaptation. Their muscles sustain microscopic tears from activity, especially strength training. Consuming protein can assist in repairing and rebuilding those damaged muscle fibers. It is crucial to replenish the fluids lost through sweating and heavy breathing and eat meals high in antioxidants to shield cells from exercise-related cell damage. [1, 2]
What Should I Avoid Eating After a Workout?
Pure protein should be avoided immediately following exercise because the body will only use it as new energy. Avoid foods that are mostly fat, such as a handful of nuts (without yogurt or fruit to balance the fat) or fried foods, as well as foods that are mostly sugar (cookies, candies). These options won’t provide the necessary muscle replenishment, and the high fat or sugar content may upset a person’s stomach. The appropriate ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and water is crucial for post-workout recovery. [1, 2, 3]
The Best Meals to Consume Following a Workout
Suppose one has a snack or meal with a combination of carbohydrates and protein within a few hours of their workout. In that case, most people who do a moderate exercise session for an hour or less-don’t need a specific recovery diet. Some individuals, though, need to be more cautious about what they consume after exercise. After strenuous strength- or endurance-training sessions, or when an athlete trains numerous times in a single day, “recovery nutrition” is frequently considered necessary. In these situations, if anyone feels extremely hungry or exhausted after a workout, eating protein and carbohydrates just after the exercise is recommended. [2, 3, 4]
Choices for Recovery Nutrition After Exercise
With these protein and carbohydrate-rich post-workout alternatives, an individual can catch their breath immediately.
- Chocolate milk splashed down with almonds
- Greek yogurt with blueberries and granola on top
- Pretzels and string cheese
- Peanut butter and apples
- Rehydrate right away as well. The optimal sports beverage replaces electrolytes that have depleted. [3, 4]
Similarly, the next meal should be loaded with proteins and carbohydrates a few hours after exercising. Think about these choices:
- A yogurt parfait with fruit on top and a tortilla wrap with eggs and cheese inside.
Brown rice, chicken, and stir-fried vegetables. - A bowl containing brown rice, black beans, cheese, lettuce, salsa, and chicken. [4]
The Do’s for Post-Workout Recovery Nutrition
1. Provide your body with protein in your post-workout nutrition and go for a diet that is calory deficient for weight loss
Your body uses protein to fuel its supply of amino acids, which helps to rebuild muscle proteins damaged during exercise. Always choose lean sources of protein, such as chicken free of antibiotics, wild-caught fish, and occasionally a lean cut of grass-fed beef. Quick remedies like eggs, almonds, and cottage cheese are excellent choices if someone has little time to refuel after exercising.
2. Increase Your Intake of Glycogen
Glycogen, a polysaccharide, is lost from the body after intense exercise. When we consume carbohydrates, our body releases the hormone insulin, which removes glucose from the blood and stores it in our cells and muscles as energy. In addition, the body uses extra fuel to connect the glucose molecules to create glycogen. [1, 3]
3. Consume the Appropriate Carbohydrates
However, not all carbohydrates are created equal; there are both whole and complex carbohydrates.
Whole grains are carbohydrates in their purest form and contain fiber, which aids in the body’s control of sugar consumption. Sweet potatoes, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains are a few examples.
Fiber is removed from processed and refined carbohydrates. White bread, white pasta, fruit juices, and white rice are a few examples of these. Refined carbohydrates create significant blood sugar spikes in our systems, initially giving us energy but quickly leading to a collapse and a desire for more sugar. So do gorge on the correct kinds of carbohydrates. [3, 4]
4. Fill Up on Healthy Fats at Meals.
After workouts, good sources of fat in moderation are also crucial. We can eat more food and feel fuller for longer if there is a modest amount of fat. Ensuring we obtain the proper source is vital because there are good and unhealthy fats.
Saturated and trans fats are considered bad fats, and studies have shown that when consumed in excess, they raise LDL and blood cholesterol levels. Consuming saturated fats in moderation is advised. Processed meats like salami and bacon, as well as dairy items like milk and cheese, are examples of saturated fats. Trans fats must be kept to a minimum.
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are healthy fats. They have been shown to reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Avocados, almonds, chia seeds, and salmon are a few examples of good fats. [3, 4, 5]
The Don’ts of Post-Workout Recovery Nutrition
1. Steer Clear of Ingredients You Don’t Know
Knowing which meals, we should avoid eating after exercising can be difficult. Consider the following guidelines: A person should only eat something if they know the ingredients. Most packaged goods are often processed and loaded with sugar and other preservatives. If kids consume processed food, review the ingredient list carefully. Avoid it entirely if you do not grasp more than three ingredients. [1, 3]
2. Steer Clear of Spicy Foods
It’s advisable to stay away from spicy foods after working out. Capsaicin, a powerful compound found in foods made with hot spices like cayenne or chili peppers, is irritating to the human body. Spicy food stimulates the digestive system and may lead to heartburn and digestive problems, particularly after the body has used all its energy during a workout. Therefore, it is crucial to choose simple foods to digest because the body strives to heal itself. [5]
3. Steer Clear of Extra Sugar
Focus on natural, whole foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and meats raised without antibiotics or hormones. Many sports beverages, energy bars, and protein shakes contain undeclared substances that hinder the body’s ability to recuperate. However, they can be quite misleading because they are marketed toward athletes, but most of them are packed with extra sugars and are, therefore, not a good choice after a workout. [4, 5]
4. Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol should be avoided after exercise. After killing it at the gym, rewarding yourself with a celebratory beverage may sound fantastic. Still, Alcohol slows down the recovery of exercise-induced muscle damage by preventing the production of key hormones necessary for the process, such as testosterone. Alcohol is also a diuretic, which can only slow recovery if someone is dehydrated from exercising. [5]
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References
- https://www.tonal.com/blog/eat-before-or-after-workout/
- https://www.forbes.com/health/body/what-to-eat-after-workout/
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/what-eat-before-after-your-workout/
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-eat-before-and-after-a-workout/
- https://online.csp.edu/resources/article/post-workout-nutrition-tips/
- https://www.slendarol.us/
- https://www.garciniacambogiaplus.shop/
- https://www.maxgains.com/
