Happier muscles in recovery?
Yes, c’mon.
1 mistake I see most active folks make is skipping a pre- and post-workout snack.
Photo:Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners, Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hilegas
This one habit can drastically boost your performance during exerciseand speed up recovery afterward.
(So your body can be ready for the next workout!)
Fueling up around workouts is not a strategy just for the pros.
It is for anyone who is regularly active or training for an event or sport.
Heres what you oughta know.
Carbs quickly provide glucose to supply energy to muscles.
(Unless you are hungry, of course!)
Watermelon
Watermelon is the ultimate thirst-quencher.
Enjoy watermelon by the slice or blend up some DIYWatermelon Juice.
Raisins
Do not underestimate the power of these pantry staples.
Raisins are compact, carb-dense nuggets that provide serious workout fuel.
Raisins are a nutritious, just-as-effective alternative to sports gummies or gels, suggests a 2023 review published inNutrients.
Tuck a baggie or box in your gym bag or car and nosh on them prior to any workout.
Similar to sports drinks, bananas contain multiple sugars, including glucose, fructose and sucrose.
So go ahead and peel a banana for some pre-workout power.
Protein provides muscles with amino acids to facilitate muscle repair.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is the ultimate post-sweat-sesh snack.
Try apples, citrus fruits, cherries, berries, pomegranate or mango.
Cocoa contains these polyphenols, too.
Try ourStrawberry-Chocolate Smoothie,Chocolate-Peanut Butter Protein ShakeorCherry-Berry Smoothie Bowl.
Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk has long been touted as liquid gold for recovery.
Research even suggests it could be the ultimate thirst quencher.
Dont skimp on the snacks.
