Many people think that exercising is a one-off sort of deal. Hit the weights, run a few miles, or engage in some sport, and that takes care of that. It’s not quite that simple, however. Just as important is maintaining a proper diet, and nutrition is never as crucial as in the hour or so after completing a workout. Your body is crying for replenishment of vitamins, proteins, and essential nutrients. Below, we’ve listed some of the best foods to crunch after a tough fitness regimen. By no means is this an exhaustive list, but rather a quick point in the right direction to get you started thinking about the right exercise fuel.

Chicken: Packed with protein and relatively low in fats, chicken is a powerful fuel. Don’t overload with seasoning, and you’ll have a great source of energy. Buy rotisserie chicken and pull the skin off for an inexpensive, easy meal. Frozen lean chicken breasts also make for a hassle-free post workout dinner or lunch.

Soy products: Think of soy as the veggie version of chicken. It has almost as much protein, along with a metric ton of vitamins. Best of all, it’s very versatile. You can cook it up with some vegetables for an easy stir fry. Also keep an eye out for edamame in your local market. This Japanese dish is a quick way to pack in protein, taking only a few minutes to boil in a pot. Sprinkle just a touch of salt on, and you’re ready to go.

Fish: Most people know that fish is among the healthiest of foods, but it’s worth repeating here. In particular, salmon is famous for its heart healthy omega 3 vitamins. Remove the skin, sprinkle on a bit of salt and pepper, and you have the makings of a very tasty dinner.

Avocado: You wouldn’t think that one vegetable could pack so much protein, but avocados are quite the wonder. Underneath that taut black skin is a serious store of protein, along with all the right fats that you want to put into your body. Consider taking one along to the gym, again topped by a very light sprinkling of salt (preferably sea salt).

Choosing the right food after a workout is the perfect complement to exercise. Consider combining a light meal with a whey protein shake. Braised vegetables can do the trick; you’ll get all of the vitamins and nutrients you want with none of the fat. Supplemented by a protein shake, this is a very solid option.

Although all of the above are great options, you should never eat just for the sake of eating. If you’re not hungry after a meal, look to some very basic protein like a shake, or an energy bar. Regardless of what you eat, it will have calories, so if you finish a mid-morning workout, pause until lunch. The same goes for a late afternoon workout a couple of hours before dinner.
Eating the right food is essential to making the most out of your workout. Use the guide above to get started on the road to fitness success.

About the Author: Victoria Crowdell works for SportsEquip.co.uk, leading suppliers of ‘capital’ sports equipment such as tennis and football nets and wet pour safety surfaces.

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