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Good, better, best: The post-workout snacks you’ll love

BethAnn Mayer
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Workout enthusiasts all know the post-sweat munchies. It’s that feeling when you just broke a sweat (and hopefully nothing more than that) during a great workout, and now, all you want to do is break out some food. Scientists say it’s best to eat within about 30 minutes of working out for optimal benefits, so that hunger is actually a sign your body needs more fuel.

This occurs because our bodies release more ghrelin, a hormone that makes us more famished after long, moderate-intensity exercise. That’s why you often feel hungrier after a 45-minute bike ride than you do following a 15-minute HIIT workout. Studies also show that women generally tend to be hungrier after exercising than men.

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It’s essential to refuel with healthy post-workout foods to help your body rebuild glycogen and protein, which aid in muscle building and recovery. After your next workout, be sure to reach for some of these foods to fuel your body with the energy you need to be strong, focused, and healthy.

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Good: Fairlife Milk, Ultra-filtered Chocolate

Chocolate milk may bring back memories of grade school lunches, but it’s also the perfect beverage for adults to sip after exercising. After a workout, your body needs protein to rebuild muscle and carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores. Fairlife Milk’s 2% reduced-fat milk gives you more than enough of these nutrients, and it’s just so refreshing. Fairlife’s chocolate milk contains 13 grams of protein (26% of your daily recommended intake), as well as 13 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a smooth, creamy, rich drink, which is exactly what you deserve after pounding the pavement or pumping iron. Fairlife’s chocolate milk is also lactose-free, so people with allergies or intolerances can sip without worry.

Better: Alani Nu Fit Snacks Protein Bar

As great as a cold glass of milk is after exercise, it’s not for everyone. If you’re working out at the park or have to run errands post-workout, you might need a grab-and-go snack that doesn’t need refrigeration. Protein bars are a great option, but be aware that some have large amounts of fat and sugar, but not much protein. Alani Nu Fit Snacks bar boasts 16 grams of protein and 17 grams of carbohydrates, including 5 grams of fiber. Reviewers love that it doesn’t have a chalky aftertaste, unlike other protein bars, and it tastes as sweet as candy (but with much less added sugar).

Best: Pro Jym Protein Powder

Protein powders speed up muscle recovery by upping the ante on a post-workout shake. Some taste better than others, and Pro Jym has garnered a reputation for being both delicious and healthy. Bodybuilder.com dubbed it the “Best Tasting Protein” in 2020, and consumers agree: It’s a GNC bestseller. Fans say they mix this powder into their favorite healthy snacks and drinks for an unbeatable taste. What’s more, it doesn’t have any added sugar and boasts a whopping 24 grams of protein. It only has 6 grams of carbohydrates, so consider mixing it with some yogurt or throwing it in a fruit smoothie to increase your carb consumption.

Post-workout munchies serve a purpose, so be sure you’re refueling with foods that keep you feeling strong, energized, and restored. Focus on healthy carbs and proteins like those found in chocolate milk, protein bars, and workout powders to rebuild muscle and replenish those necessary glycogen stores.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

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BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
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