This week we are continuing on the topic of carbohydrates, but I’m going to discuss their use in post workout meals. After a good workout your body is exhausted and needs time to repair and recover. Even your local gym-rat can tell you that protein is a must have after your workouts as it helps repair and build new muscle. There is one little catch when it comes to protein. Your body can’t use it properly if it doesn’t have the energy!

When you workout, your body is using up your stored glycogen for energy. After the workout, you need to replace that energy so your body can start to rebuild and repair those muscles you used during the workout. In order to do this, you need to eat some type of carbohydrate, and the quicker it can be absorbed by your body the better.

Some super healthy choices would be fruits like oranges, grapefruits and bananas. These fruits have those simple sugars in them that will be absorbed fast by your body as well as added benefits such as vitamins and minerals. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, you can even have foods such as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a glass of chocolate milk, or even some cookies.

That’s right, I said chocolate milk and cookies! Besides satisfying those cravings for sugary foods, they can be great post workout meals. They have the carbohydrates your body needs as well as the protein! You also need to keep in mind that your body is craving nourishment after a workout. You have some leeway with what foods you can get away with eating after a workout as it’s going to be used up very quickly by your body.

Now, I’m not saying run over to your closest grocery store and buy a gallon of Ben and Jerry’s Ice cream with spoon in hand for your post work out meal. Just like any food, it should be taken in moderation, and these are just a few suggestions of post workout meals as I find many people get confused as to what to eat. Not every meal needs to be healthy to be beneficial for your body.

-Scott