Healthy post-workout snacks are definitely a topic we've covered here on the site before, but they're worth going over again. After all, what you put into your body is one of the most important things to focus on for lifelong health. I recently spoke to nutritionist Kelly LeVeque about this matter, and she had some pretty great insight, as always. Here are five satisfying snacks you can eat after your workout to fuel your body, curb unhealthy cravings, and keep you feeling your best.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
If you like Kelly’s #bewellsmoothie, you’re going to love this! Mix a little chocolate protein powder with unsweetened almond milk, MCT oil, and chia seeds. Head off to your workout, and get home to a sweet protein-, omega-3-, and fiber-packed snack. “Chia seed pudding is a great snack for curbing my sweet tooth," LeVeque explains, "and...it’s pretty satisfying, so a little goes a long way.”
If you like Kelly’s #bewellsmoothie, you’re going to love this! Mix a little chocolate protein powder with unsweetened almond milk, MCT oil, and chia seeds. Head off to your workout, and get home to a sweet protein-, omega-3-, and fiber-packed snack. “Chia seed pudding is a great snack for curbing my sweet tooth," LeVeque explains, "and...it’s pretty satisfying, so a little goes a long way.”
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Salmon Salad & Cucumbers
After a HIIT workout or a weight-lifting session, salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation, and amino acids to help repair and rebuild the muscles you broke down in the gym. “Cucumbers are a cracker replacement full of water and fiber, to help you rehydrate and fill up until your next meal,” says Kelly. Whip up this snack with olive oil, or, if you are looking for my go-to mayo, check out Primal Kitchen Paleo Mayo, made with avocado oil.
After a HIIT workout or a weight-lifting session, salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation, and amino acids to help repair and rebuild the muscles you broke down in the gym. “Cucumbers are a cracker replacement full of water and fiber, to help you rehydrate and fill up until your next meal,” says Kelly. Whip up this snack with olive oil, or, if you are looking for my go-to mayo, check out Primal Kitchen Paleo Mayo, made with avocado oil.
Cold-Pressed Juice
This one of Kelly’s favorite post-cardio treats. You just exhausted your muscles of stored glycogen and made room for new fuel, and your muscles are very insulin-sensitive and ready to suck up sugars present in your blood. Juice can spike blood sugar quickly, so with empty muscles and strong insulin sensitivity, you can enjoy a punch of vitamins, but with sugar control, in a cold-pressed juice.
Related: Foods That'll Give You Heavenly Hair
This one of Kelly’s favorite post-cardio treats. You just exhausted your muscles of stored glycogen and made room for new fuel, and your muscles are very insulin-sensitive and ready to suck up sugars present in your blood. Juice can spike blood sugar quickly, so with empty muscles and strong insulin sensitivity, you can enjoy a punch of vitamins, but with sugar control, in a cold-pressed juice.
Related: Foods That'll Give You Heavenly Hair
Apples (Or Celery) & Nut Butter
“I like saving the majority of my fruit consumption of the day for after I work out, and since apples and almond butter are one of my all-time favorite snacks in general, they tend to be a go-to after weights, cardio, or any workout class,” says Kelly. This snack serves up a dose of protein and fat on carbohydrate- and fiber-dense apple slices. You’re getting all your macros in one bite, and it satisfies everything — sweet, salty, crunchy, and smooth. Deciding on the nut butter depends on your goals (Kelly’s recommendation is almond butter). And celery is also a great option instead of apples, if you want to switch things up.
“I like saving the majority of my fruit consumption of the day for after I work out, and since apples and almond butter are one of my all-time favorite snacks in general, they tend to be a go-to after weights, cardio, or any workout class,” says Kelly. This snack serves up a dose of protein and fat on carbohydrate- and fiber-dense apple slices. You’re getting all your macros in one bite, and it satisfies everything — sweet, salty, crunchy, and smooth. Deciding on the nut butter depends on your goals (Kelly’s recommendation is almond butter). And celery is also a great option instead of apples, if you want to switch things up.
Stuffed Avocados
For a snack that satisfies your salty cravings, Kelly recommends an avocado crusted with hemp hearts and drizzled with MCT Oil and pink Himalayan salt (yum). A few other favorites include baking an egg in your avocado, or adding a fresh scoop of tuna salad, hummus, salsa, or bruschetta. Season with pink Himalayan salt — it’s rich with 84 minerals, including calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium — to give your cells what they need to stay hydrated and balanced. No post-workout muscle cramps here! I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry just reading those delicious options — and pretty excited that I’ll be able to give my body the correct fuel the next time I leave the gym. xx
Allison
Team LC
For a snack that satisfies your salty cravings, Kelly recommends an avocado crusted with hemp hearts and drizzled with MCT Oil and pink Himalayan salt (yum). A few other favorites include baking an egg in your avocado, or adding a fresh scoop of tuna salad, hummus, salsa, or bruschetta. Season with pink Himalayan salt — it’s rich with 84 minerals, including calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium — to give your cells what they need to stay hydrated and balanced. No post-workout muscle cramps here! I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry just reading those delicious options — and pretty excited that I’ll be able to give my body the correct fuel the next time I leave the gym. xx
Allison
Team LC