After an awesome workout many of us wonder what to eat, when to eat and should we eat at all? While getting more confused with many questions in our minds we end up skipping after workout meals. But that’s the most important meal to be focused on. The gap between the time of exercise and food should be carefully planned so as to provide the required nutrients to the body for muscle recovery and also for metabolism to work in your favor.
After an intense 1 hour workout your body needs to heal and for that food plays the most important role. This is the time when protein is absolutely needed. Right choice of protein helps muscles to build the strength and endurance. Providing right nutrient at the right time is important for muscle growth as well. It is advisable to provide nutrients to your body immediately after you post workout routine or else body starts reducing in muscles glycogen storage and even protein synthesis.
A good combination of protein and carbohydrates along with lots of liquid to hydrate enhances the insulin role of transporting nutrients to the cells.
After workout meal is important for the muscles because if you have a great workout and if the body isn’t fed appropriately and on time the much needed benefits will be lost. Post workout meals help in rebuilding the exhausted muscles so as to perform efficiently not only during workouts but also throughout your life.
The after workout meal which should mainly consists of protein and carbohydrate, avoids protein break down in the muscles which may be caused during exercises, and if no fuel is given on time may even cause further health issues. So this would mean that all the efforts in the gym might be lost due to lack of proper nutrients to the body.
Health tips of the week
“Eat nutritious, exercise hard and live healthy”
References:
Rachel Lynn says
I used to have a protein shake I would drink after my workouts. It was so yummy, yet gave the perfect amount of nutrients and energy after a hard workout 🙂
Willow says
I usually have a smoothie with protein powder after my workout, especially if I workout in the morning. It’s the evening workout that I need to make sure I feed myself right afterwards!
Nicole Parise says
Good to know! I usually have something anyways right after, but at least I will be more aware of why this is important.
xx nicole
http://www.nicoleparise.com
Meghan says
I feel like I don’t have a problem eating after I work out, but its the quality of foods I eat after a workout for sure. Gotta start making better choices!
Meghan | BeyondBasicBlog.com
Christina says
I’m so glad you posted this because (and I seem to be the minority here), I am always starving after I work out! It gets to the point where I’m craving fast food which would completely negate all of the hard work I just did!
Jessica Bradshaw says
Yes! I am a huge fan of protein smoothies after working out. Great post!
Christine says
I always wondered if I should eat before or after a workout. This was very helpful! I am going to make sure I eat right after my workout. Thanks!
Gunjan says
Hi Christine, the right way to fuel your body is to eat couple of hours before your workout and immediately after your workout. Hope this helps.
Ivana J says
Thanks for sharing this, because i always tempt to skip to eat after workout, but seems i was wrong whole time xoxo
https://theninebyivana.blogspot.com/
Gunjan says
Never skip meals Ivana. Skipping meals will screw up your metabolism.
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
Super helpful post! Sometimes I forget about the post-workout fuel. I need to make it a priority!
Gunjan says
Thank you Chrissa.
Lexi Kritzer says
My husband is always having to remind me to eat after I workout! So important!
Gunjan says
Yup, it sure is.