What To Eat After You've Hit The Gym
You just busted your butt at the gym for an hour, it's dinner time and you're starving! It's no wonder; after working hard you need to eat! But what exactly?
The first thing you need is carbs. Yep, the one thing everyone tells you to stay clear of is actually the most important; 60% of the calories from your post-exercise meal should be from carbohydrates in order toreplenish your body with the glycogen it has used to fuel your muscles. Of course, I doubt you need to hear it again, but these should be "good" carbs. They are usually spotted by not being bleached carbs. The less refined and more whole grain the better because your body can not only break them down but also use them, whereas bleached carbs do absolutely nothing for your body besides sit there. Gross.
Next, pack on the protein! On average after exercise, a person should get in 10-15 grams of protein. While carbs refuel you, proteins pump you up by restoring and building muscle tissue. If you plan on getting in your serving eating meat, have small portions of lean grilled poultry or fish.
The following recipes can be served as entrees or as sides to fore mentioned grilled poultry or fish. They are completely vegetarian friendly and some vegan! Although I'm not one to push my personal dietary beliefs on anyone, animal-product free dishes are great because they don't weigh you down and you can keep that light and energetic feeling you have after leaving the gym. Plus, they're delicious!
Lentil & Buckwheat Salad: This versatile salad of lentils, buckwheat, carrots and celery can be served hot or cold. It's also a great side dish and delicious on a bed of spinach! Plus it's chalk full of carbs AND protein! I KNOW RIGHT?! Check out the recipe from AllRecipes.com here!
Azuki Beans with Kabocha Squash: This recipe comes from Alicia Silverstone who has picked up quite the cred' in the food community with her book The Kind Diet. Azuki beans, like all beans, are protein powerhouses and combined with the squash, this recipe also gives you a daily dose of natural fiber! Check out Alicia's recipe at The Kind Life!
Spicy Black Eyed Pea & Sweet Potato Soup: Black eyed peas are an excellent source of carbs, protein and iron! Another little health benefit, the Sriracha is also helpful for clogged sinuses if you've been sick or allergic lately. It is more of stew than a soup & very filling as an entree. Check out the recipe at Vegan Visitor!
CONTINUE READING AT INTENT.COM FOR MORE RECIPES!
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