These foods and drinks can help relieve sore muscles and speed up muscle recovery post-workout.

What Causes Muscle Soreness?

The 7 Best Foods and Drinks for Sore Muscles, According to a Dietitian

1.

Spinach, Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie

Ali Redmond

Salmon

Fatty fish like salmon are swimming with health benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids.

Grill it, roast it, air-fry it or sear it in a pan.

Try ourSheet-Pan Roasted Salmon & Vegetablesrecipe to refuel.

(Did you know the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team swears by it?!)

Enjoy it over ice, warm or add it to your post-workout smoothie.

Pistachios

Noshing on nuts like pistachios after your workout may help give your muscles some much-needed TLC.

According to the results of a 2022 study published inMetabolism Open, eating pistachios reduced muscle soreness in athletes.

Pistachios also contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete plant-based protein.

Pistachios are portable, so take a handful with you on your hike or to the gym.

Try them as a crunchy topper on top of your bowl of cereal, grain bowl or salad.

Caffeine can make us feel less tired and less in pain.

Enjoy your coffee however you pleasehot or coldor prepare theseMocha Overnight Oatsto get your fix.

Beet Juice

Looking tobeetyour competitors?

Beets may offer performance advantages.

Beets are rich in nitrates, which work as a vasodilator when they enter the body.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese could work wonders on your muscles when eaten as a bedtime snack.

Cottage cheese also is a good source of protein, offering about24 grams per cup.

Researchers also found that not consuming enough protein may delay muscle recovery, too.

The Bottom Line

Muscle soreness is inevitable.