If you’ve hit a plateau on the road to getting in shape, it might be time to re-examine your diet.
Many nutritionists believe that in order to see the results, exercise alone isn’t enough. You need to have a diet full of the vitamins and minerals to keep the body functioning properly. To be frank, you can’t out-exercise a bad diet. But in order to maximize your efforts, you should also be fueling your body with certain key nutrients at different times during the day.
To get the best results, be sure to revive your body with plenty of protein and some form of carbohydrate found in the foods above 20-60 minutes after you finish working out to allow the body to recover faster, feel more energized, and be ready to tackle your next workout.
Take a look at the 5 things you should be eating and drinking after a workout to set yourself up for success.
5. Eggs
Eggs are a complete source of protein and even contain branched-chain amino acids that help reduce damage to muscles. And don’t worry about cholesterol in eggs, because eggs contain the good kind of cholesterol called high density lipoprotein, which removes harmful cholesterol from places it shouldn’t be. Be sure to eat the whole egg, not just the egg whites, to get all the vitamin D, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of complex carbs and help to restore glycogen levels, which are especially low after a workout. Sweet potato, or yam (they’re the same thing), is a great source of vitamin A, B6 and C, and D, a well as Magnesium and potassium.
3. Green Tea
Green tea isn’t just good for warming you up in the winter or waking you up during your mid-day slump. Green tea is full of antioxidants that fight free radicals and metabolizes fat. One ingredient, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is also known for fighting chronic inflammatory conditions like cancer and Rheumatoid Arthritis
2. Salmon
1. Whey
Whey is an energy-restoring, fat-torching source of protein, and just one scoop of powder contains almost the same amount of protein as a whole chicken breast. Whey also causes insulin levels to spike, which replenishes energy stores. Research has shown that people who supplement with whey protein burn almost two times as much body fat compared to those who don’t.
However protein powders are considered a supplement by the FDA, which means that there’s not much regulation regarding a supplement’s ingredients so be sure to get a high quality sources, or have your doctor recommend a brand.
Are you getting the most out of your workouts? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
[Featured image credit: Mauricio Alejo]