Just what should you eat after hitting the gym?
Ask anyone out there who hits the gym hard. After a killer workout, nine times out of ten you’re going to feel like a ravenous beast, one who must feed in order to quell the monster within. Or, more realistically, sate those hunger pains you get after putting yourself through the ringer. Food is the fuel that allows you to perform in the gym and it’s no secret that after a tough training day all your fuel is sure to be depleted.
The real problem we face after a hard workout is trying not to binge on any and everything in sight, especially those of us who train later at night. You get out of the gym at around 11 pm and already you’re beginning to think about your bed and collapsing into a deep slumber. Before that though, you’re hungry as hell, but also exhausted from the day’s events. Cooking a big meal is probably out of the question, but you need some post workout nutrition to ensure your body isn’t breaking down over night. You’re in between a rock and a hard place and you’re unsure of where to turn.
Getting some fuel back into your system is integral to your health, so you better make the right food selection. Fast food is out of the question and sometimes a large, healthy meal won’t do. Then what should you eat just before bed? Here’s a list of ideas you can throw into your diet plan.
[wptouch target=”mobile”]
[wptouch target=”non-mobile”]
Tuna (in olive oil)
Tuna can provide some great post workout protein. It’s pretty easy to prepare right out of the can and by adding some olive oil for healthy fat intake it can prove to be a great meal choice to ensure slower protein breakdown so that your body doesn’t go catabolic over night.
[wptouch target=”mobile”] [/wptouch]
[wptouch target=”non-mobile”][/wptouch]
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a great choice for your post workout meal. It packs a great amount of protein which will help you with muscle growth and maintenance through the night. Try the low fat variety to ensure you’re getting the most out of this great protein source.
[wptouch target=”mobile”]
[wptouch target=”non-mobile”]
Eggs
Some people may look at eggs as more of a morning meal choice rather than for after training. The great thing about eggs, particularly egg whites, is that they’re a great source of branch chain amino acids which are essential to your post workout needs. The protein and BCAAs within eggs can keep your muscle from breaking down post workout.
[wptouch target=”mobile”]
[wptouch target=”non-mobile”]
Protein Bar
Sometimes you just don’t have time to make a big meal after the gym yet you still need to have something. In you need a quick fix there’s nothing wrong with a protein bar to help you along. Be smart with your choice. If you’re going to go for a protein bar it shouldn’t be packed with too much sugar or sodium. It won’t destroy your gains, but it’s best to not make it into a habit.
.
A combination of these or even eaten with some fibrous vegetables are great for your post workout nutrition and are sure to see you making some nice gains. We’d like to know some of the food choices you make post workout. Give us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
[wptouch target=”mobile”]
[wptouch target=”non-mobile”]