Fuel Your Fitness: Pre and Post Workout Snacks
Eating the right foods before and after your workout can support energy levels and recovery. Here are some of our instructors' favorite pre and post-workout snacks you can make at home.
Before Your Workout:
Avocado toast took the world by storm and has not slowed down (and for a good reason). This combo has a great blend of carbs, healthy fats, and protein to keep yourself satisfied and gives you enough energy to give your workout your best efforts.
Oats are a great form of slowly digested carbs, which makes their energy payoff last longer while you are exercising. They are also packed full of essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B and iron, that help your body while you are exerting energy. The addition of chia seeds and Greek yogurt increases the protein, omega 3, and fiber to keep you satiated.
Peanut Butter Energy Snack Balls
These energy balls are small but mighty. Packed with essential nutrients and easy to eat on the go, they are the perfect option if you need a quick snack to give you a boost before you start class.
After Your Workout:
Joseph D’s Chicken Nourish Bowl
Pairing a lean protein, like chicken, with a bowl of vegetables and rice is one of the simplest ways to get in your nutrients after a good sweat. The chicken helps with muscle recovery, while the leafy greens and other vegetables pack in other essential nutrients that help with restoring energy and regulating your metabolism.
During a workout, our muscles become inflamed. Adding ingredients like blueberries helps restore our muscles, reduce muscle pain, and reduce inflammation (and they’re great for a sweet tooth). Paired with protein powder for muscle recovery, a banana for carbs to restore our energy, and almond butter for a good source of fat, this smoothie has it all.
Christi and Joseph’s Turkey Burger
This turkey burger recipe is more than meets the eye. With zucchini hidden in the patty, this makes for a great post-workout food option. The ground turkey is rich in protein, while the zucchini and other toppings contain nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin B6, and potassium. This combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs from the bun are all helpful in restoring your body’s energy production and aiding in muscle recovery.
So next time you are getting ready to take class, or just finished up, fuel your body with what it needs to support you in and out of your workout.
