January 15, 2020
I met with a friend this week over a nice soup and salad lunch. As business owners, athletes, and friends, we like to get together and bounce ideas around.
As we were chatting, we got talking about nutrition and she mentioned to me how she is forever surprised when she sees people at her local fitness facility complete their workout and immediately start refueling with candy.
WHAT? I know….crazy, right?
So here is the deal, friends. The nutrition piece of the puzzle is not always given the amount of attention it deserves. We often think we “earned” the pizza, candy….whatever.
But GOOD post workout nutrition is KEY! It improves recovery, decreases muscle soreness and increases our ability to come back stronger.
So…here are three things to remember to include in your next post workout routine before you go for the Peanut M&Ms!
1. Hydrate. Yes, I know you drank bottle of water at the gym. Keep another bottle of water or electrolytes in your car and make it your mission to drink it while you drive home. Do not get out of your car until the bottle is empty! Trust me when I tell you most of us don’t drink enough! Good hydration keeps our joints lubricated, regulates body temperature, and transports the nutrients we need for energy and to stay healthy. If you are not well hydrated, your body can not perform at it’s highest level.
2. Restock your glycogen. CARBS are NOT the enemy, people! They provide us with energy. I’m not giving you permission to grab a pizza or a bagel or cookies. Sweet potato, fruit, oatmeal, rice, quinoa, a smoothie (PLEASE USE CAUTION AT YOUR GYMS SMOOTHIE BAR…WHILE OK IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, THEY ARE USUALLY NOT VERY HEALTHY AND EXTRMELY HIGH IN CALORIES).
3. Muscle Repair. Training can be stressful on our bodies. We are literally creating tears in our muscle fibers so they can rebuild stronger. Protein is needed to rebuild the muscle tissue. Protein powder (can be added to your smoothie), yogurt, eggs, tuna, chicken.
Get creative! Share your favorite healthy post work out foods! I love trying new recipes!
Until next time,
Coach Chris
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