You just finished an amazing workout…you’ve got that endorphin boost going, you’re smiling and sweaty, feeling spent and…hungry maybe? Yes? No? Either way, what you do next has more of an effect on your weight loss, energy and your body than you may realize.
Post workout your body needs hydration, protein and healthy carbs to repair, restore and replenish the energy stores and muscles you depleted during your workout. Not getting those nutrients into your body can wreak havoc on your hunger levels and decrease the weight loss benefits of all that hard work. Even if you don’t feel hungry, you need to make sure you are “fueling” your body within 30 minutes of finishing your workout. Waiting until later to eat, can cause your hunger levels and hormones to go out of control. When you don’t feed your body post workout, your hunger hormones (the ones that signal you to eat) may increase and satiety hormones (the ones that signal you’re full) may decrease. Trying to cut calories by skipping your post workout recovery snack or meal will only lead to feeling drained, hungrier and eating more calories later in the day. Don’t do it babes! Follow your workout with water plus a balanced protein and healthy carb snack or meal and watch your hunger levels drop, your energy improve and your weight loss efforts pay off.
What’s your best choice to eat or drink?
You definitely want to make sure you hydrate with at least 24 ounces of water. A simple combination of easily digestible protein and healthy carbs is going to give you everything else you need!
Some BbE favorites:
- A simple protein shake made with BbE fav Tera’s Whey Organic Bourbon Vanilla Protein and 6 ounces of water or coconut almond milk
- RX Bar (flavors I’m loving right now…Chocolate Sea Salt and Pumpkin Spice!)
- Rise Bar (I’d have to say Chocolately Coconut is the best!)
OR…if lunch or dinner follow your workout, try a healthy BbE FUEL recipe…
- Grilled Chicken, Green Bean and Avocado Salad …loaded with nutrient rich veggies, protein from the grilled chicken and topped off with avocado for healthy fats…fabulous post workout meal!
Does what you put in your protein smoothie matter?
Absolutely! Ditch the sugary stuff, keep it simple and go with the most nutrient rich ingredients. It can be as quick and easy as 6-8 ounces of water or coconut almond milk and two scoops of protein powder. If you have more time and access to a blender, add some spinach, kale, celery, cucumber, carrots, beets or other veggies. A little fruit is fine, but don’t go overboard…all that sweetness can add up to a lot of sugar and calories.
Try to hit that 30 minute post workout window every day this week. Taking care of your body and making sure it gets what it needs is all part of building not only your dream body, but also your healthy lifestyle. Don’t skip out on this! You’ll be amazed at what a difference this one part of your nutrition can make. Your hunger level will decrease and you will feel energized and renewed all day long! xo
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