Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating

These Are the 10 Best Foods to Eat After a Workout

Posted by Allison Day. Last Updated on January 15, 2020

You’re riding high on the feel-good, after-workout mindset, and now it’s time to reward your body with a post-fitness refuel. Eating after exercise is essential to prevent muscle breakdown, replenish glycogen stores and ensure a speedy recovery, but you have to choose the correct foods to help things along. This list of the top foods to eat after hitting the gym, with recipes, makes it easy and delicious.

  • Bananas
     
    1 of 10

    Bananas

    <p>Everyday bananas are a portable snack you can enjoy immediately after your workout, offering carbs and potassium, two muscle-friendly, post-workout nutrients. Add bananas to <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/whole-grain-buttermilk-pancakes/21798/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">whole-grain pancakes</a>, toss them in a smoothie, mash them onto toast with peanut butter or simply peel and eat. There are also plenty of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/15-ingenious-ways-to-use-overripe-bananas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ways to use overripe bananas</a>. <p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-potato-toast-with-almond-butter-banana-and-toasted-coconut-chips-/20273/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Sweet Potato Toast with Almond Butter, Banana and Coconut Chips</strong></a> </p>
  • Quinoa
     
    2 of 10

    Quinoa

    <p> This tiny grain is packed with healthy carbs and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/high-protein-vegan-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">plant-based protein</a>, two macronutrients that work with your body for a speedy post-workout recovery. Plan ahead and cook up a few days’ worth for fast food you can quickly snack on after exercising. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quinoa-with-shiitakes-and-snow-peas/18376/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Quinoa With Shiitakes and Snow Peas</strong></a> </p>
  • Eggs
     
    3 of 10

    Eggs

    <p> Eggs are a source of highly bioavailable protein, which helps to replenish and increase muscle stores after exercising. What’s more, they’re quick, versatile and more affordable than a shake at your smoothie bar. For more inspiration, try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/creative-ways-to-cook-eggs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">creative ways to cook eggs</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/avocado-toast-with-poached-eggs-1-dish-2-ways-35175/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs</strong></a> </p>
  • Chicken
     
    4 of 10

    Chicken

    <p> Chicken brings tons of easily digestible protein to your post-workout routine. Meal-prep grilled or roasted chicken at the beginning of the week to quickly add to salads, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/thai-glazed-chicken-lettuce-wraps/21719/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lettuce wraps</a> or any other after-exercise meal. If you have more time, prep these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/satisfying-chicken-slow-cooker-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">slow-cooker chicken recipes</a> in advance. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/marinated-chicken-breasts/17846/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Marinated Chicken Breasts</strong></a> </p>
  • Chickpeas
     
    5 of 10

    Chickpeas

    <p> Eating fibre-rich foods before a workout can cause digestive distress, but afterwards, these foods can help to replenish blood sugar levels. <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/20-chickpea-recipes-to-make-your-heart-happy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chickpeas</a> are a post-workout superfood, containing good-for-your carbs and plant-based protein in one tidy package. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hummus-trio/20287/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hummus Trio</a></strong> </p>
  • Yogurt
     
    6 of 10

    Yogurt

    <p> Yogurt, especially the Greek variety, provides portable protein and calcium, two nutrients that enhance your post-workout recovery. Skip the flavoured type and go for plain, seasoning with fruit and honey or maple syrup to taste, or, add in lieu of protein powder to your go-to smoothie recipe. These <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-tasty-smoothie-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">healthy smoothie recipes</a> will keep you full. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/blueberry-pomegranate-power-bowl-with-toasted-quinoa-croutons/19019/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Flay’s Blueberry-Pomegranate Power Bowl</a></strong> </p>
  • Salmon
     
    7 of 10

    Salmon

    <p> Salmon and other omega-3-rich fish provide protein for muscle recovery along with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/wholesome-recipes-healthy-fats/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">healthy fats</a> to reduce joint inflammation and keep your cardiovascular system in top form. The quick-cooking protein is the ultimate weeknight-friendly, post-workout dinner. For more ideas, check out the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/best-worst-foods-for-mental-health/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">best (and worst) foods for your mental health</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pan-seared-salmon-with-kale-and-apple-salad/20895/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Pan-Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad</strong></a> </p>
  • Nuts
     
    8 of 10

    Nuts

    <p> A handful of nuts after a workout provides protein, fibre and healthy fats, keeping your stomach satisfied until you can get something more substantial to eat. Keep a small pack of almonds in your workout bag, top your lunchtime salad with walnuts and so much more – <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/protein-packed-nut-seed-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nuts are extremely versatile!</a> </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberry-arugula-salad-with-walnuts-and-goat-cheese/14348/#WXS540LF7mOycX7i.99" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Strawberry Arugula Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese</strong></a> </p>
  • Oatmeal
     
    9 of 10

    Oatmeal

    <p> After a workout is the best time to enjoy comforting, healthy carbs like oatmeal, which effectively replenishes hardworking muscles. Cook up a batch of hot oatmeal or add a handful of oats to your favourite pancake recipe – it’s a simple grain that can be prepared in a flash. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/apple-pie-oatmeal/14929/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Apple Pie Oatmeal</strong></a> </p>
  • Sweet Potatoes
     
    10 of 10

    Sweet Potatoes

    <p> <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/superfood-spotlight-best-sweet-potato-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sweet potatoes</a> are popular with the fitness crowd because they bring carbs, fibre and potassium to the table, assisting in the post-workout recovery department. And, they’re delicious, versatile and can be dressed up or down in myriad ways. </p> <p >Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/dressed-to-the-nines-sweet-potato/18172/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Dressed to the Nines Sweet Potato</strong></a> </p>
  • Start Over
    Next Gallery

    20 (Mostly) Plant-Based Recipes Where Meat Isn’t the Star

    More Galleries

You Might Also Like

Chefs & Hosts

All Shows