Tough Workouts Depletes Glycogen

I am hearing a lot of buzz out there lately about recovery foods. After a tough workout, your body is depleted of glycogen. This is when you start to build new, stronger muscles. In order to give your body the resources it needs to build this muscle, you need to eat within a half hour after your workout.

Avoid High Fat or High Calorie Recovery Foods

Where you have to be careful is…make sure you don’t reach for something high in sugar or fat. The goal isn’t to gain weight here. Most folks I have asked say chocolate milk is the best recovery food out there. I don’t know about you, but I’m not craving chocolate milk after a tough workout? I’ll tell you what else is great, and what I go for…peanut butter on toast or a bagel. It’s high in protein and carbohydrates, and really yummy!

There are so many other great things to reach for bananas, granola, yogurt…all super options. So plan ahead and put something in your gym bag then you’ll be ready for a snack after your workout. Remember keep it in the half hour window after your workout. Alright, now go work out!

When not running or writing for Blissfully Domestic, Cynthia can be found at her personal blog The Chronicles of a SAHM