This article was reviewed by Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA.
Knowing what to eat after a workout can have a big impact on your progress, whether you’re aiming to get fit, lose or maintain weight, or any combo of these goals.
Should I eat after a workout? And if so, what’s the best post-workout meal?
We’ll answer these questions below and explore how to refuel with post-workout food to maximize your workouts and help repair muscle tissue.
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Everything You Need to Know About Post-Exercise Nutrition
Most nutrition experts agree that fueling your body with the right balance of complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats after exercise (especially intense exercise) is key to replenishing energy and supporting your fitness goals.
But why are these macronutrients so important? And how do you incorporate them into your routine?
Let’s dig into all the nitty-gritty.
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The Basics of Post-Work Nutrition
Should You Eat After a Workout?
Yes! You’re wise to eat after an intense workout session.
Healthy nutrition and regular exercise are two of the heaviest lifters when it comes to weight loss (along with quality sleep, hydration, and medication in some cases).
Post-workout nutrition is important for a couple of critical reasons:
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Supporting muscle recovery. Strength training and intense cardio create tiny micro-tears in muscle fibers — a normal part of exercise that helps muscles grow stronger as they heal. But for proper post-workout recovery and growth, your body needs the right nutrients to repair these fibers effectively.
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Replacing glycogen stores. During exercise, your body burns glycogen, a stored form of glucose (blood sugar). It’s what “fuels” your workouts. The harder the workout, the more glycogen you use. Refueling with food after exercise restores these energy stores, ensuring you’re ready for your next session (or whatever else is on your schedule that day).
Not all foods work the same way for muscle recovery. Choosing the right combination of nutrients can make all the difference in how your body heals and prepares for future workouts.
Let’s break down the key players — timing and macronutrients — and how they can help in the next section.
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Things to Consider About Eating After Exercise
Here’s what to keep in mind when considering what to eat after a workout.
Timing Is Key
Maintaining balanced eating habits is always smart, but your post-workout meal plays a unique role in recovery and progress. On top of what you eat, timing also matters.
Research suggests that eating a mix of carbs and protein shortly after a workout helps the body replenish glycogen stores more efficiently. In fact, studies show that delaying your post-workout meal by as much as two hours can slow down glycogen replenishment by up to 50 percent.
Still, if you can’t eat right away every now and then, don’t sweat it — your body will still recover, just at a slower pace.
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Macronutrients Support Fitness Goals
Protein Builds Muscle
Protein is essential for muscle recovery and growth because it contains amino acids, the building blocks the body uses to repair tissue. So the best post-workout meal for muscle gain will include some protein.
When you do resistance training (like lifting weights), your muscles experience tiny tears. This is a normal part of the process that makes them stronger. But for this repair process — called muscle protein synthesis — to happen, your body needs enough protein.
How much protein after workouts should you have? Researchers recommend eating 20 to 40 grams of protein after exercise to maximize muscle recovery.
It’s also worth noting that adding strength training to a cardio routine can boost your weight loss efforts. Specifically, weightlifting can elevate metabolism and improve body composition
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Carbohydrates Stimulate Recovery
Carbs are just as important as protein in post-workout recovery. During exercise, your body burns glycogen, its main source of energy. Afterward, refueling with the right carbs helps restore glycogen stores, supports muscle recovery, and preps your body for your next workout.
Healthy carbs like whole grains, fruits, sweet potatoes, and veggies are ideal.
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Healthy Fats May Boost Recovery and Muscle Growth
Healthy fats are found in foods like fish, nuts, and olive oil. They offer essential nutrients, including fatty acids and antioxidants, that support overall health.
These fats can help balance blood sugar, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and even reduce inflammation.
Some studies suggest that full-fat foods, like whole milk or whole eggs (yolk and all), might support muscle growth more effectively than low-fat versions.
That said, research in this area is still emerging, so further studies are needed to fully understand this connection.
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How to Improve Post-Workout Nutrition Habits
A little planning can make it much easier to stick to healthy post-workout habits. Here’s how to set yourself up for success.
Stock Your Kitchen
Make sure your kitchen is ready with everything you need for a quick, nutritious post-workout meal. This might include:
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Eggs, Greek yogurt, chicken, tofu, or protein powder for smoothies
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Oats, whole-grain bread, rice, and fruits
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Avocados, nuts, seeds, and nut butters
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Leafy greens, veggies, or spices to round out your meals
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Grab-and-go options like protein bars and shakes
Having these healthy foods on hand can make it easy to stick to a healthy eating plan.
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Meal-Prep in Advance
Preparing meals or snacks ahead of time can save you a lot of stress, especially on busy days. Here are some tips:
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Cook batches of lean proteins (like grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas) and keep them in the fridge for easy access.
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Pre-cut veggies and fruits for smoothies or salads.
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Pre-cook whole grains like brown rice and quinoa to use throughout the week. (Consider using bone broth instead of water to up the protein content.)
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Portion out snacks like nuts or yogurt into grab-and-go containers.
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Have a Backup Plan
Life gets busy, and you might not always have time to cook — or maybe you have plans to eat out with friends. Both are totally okay!
Here’s what to do on days you can’t prepare your own food:
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Know your restaurant or takeout options. Look for meals on the menu with a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. For example, grilled chicken or tofu bowls with a whole grain and veggies are great choices.
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Pick on-the-go snacks wisely. Choose high-protein options like protein bars, trail mix, or pre-made smoothies.
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What Should I Eat After a Workout? 16 Snacks and Meal Ideas
Now, let’s put these tips into action with real post-exercise food suggestions for what to eat after a workout:
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Avocado toast
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Tuna salad
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Nut butter on toast
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Overnight oats or oatmeal
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Protein shake
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Whole-grain bowl
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Egg bites
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Cottage cheese and fruit
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Greet yogurt and granola
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Salad with chicken breast
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Nuts or trailmix
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String cheese and whole-grain crackers
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Protein bar
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Hummus and crudités
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Edamame
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Bone broth
Get details and pointers for each idea below.
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1. Avocado Toast
Avocados are a prime source of fiber and unsaturated fats. They can also elevate a simple piece of toast to something more filling and delicious to stave off cravings throughout the day. Add a dash of chili flakes, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
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2. Tuna Salad
Here’s another good post-workout meal option. It’s tasty, low-cal, and high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
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3. Nut Butter on Toast
Spread a tablespoon or two of peanut butter or almond butter on whole-wheat toast for a mix of healthy fats, complex carbs, and protein.
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4. Overnight Oats or Oatmeal
Oats are packed with fiber, which supports digestion, keeps you full, and helps prevent overeating. Our overnight oats recipe calls for some protein powder, nuts, seeds, and fruit for a balanced after-workout meal.
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5. Protein Shake
Drinking a protein shake is a quick and easy way to boost your protein intake. Add whey or plant-based protein powder, almond milk, a banana, and even a shot of coffee for an energy-boosting shake that also aids recovery.
Here’s a stellar protein shake recipe that calls for coffee.
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6. Whole-Grain Bowl
Build a nourishing bowl with a base of brown rice, quinoa, or farro. Add a lean protein source like salmon, chicken, or tofu, and top it with roasted veggies, avocado, or a drizzle of olive oil for some healthy fat.
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7. Egg Bites
Egg bites are a protein-packed snack or meal. Make them in advance with a mix of eggs, spinach, cheese, and diced veggies for a grab-and-go option.
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8. Cottage Cheese and Fruit
Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and pairs perfectly with fruits like pineapple, berries, or peaches. It’s a refreshing and filling post-workout option.
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9. Greek Yogurt and Granola
Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse, with 20 grams in one cup. Add granola, honey, and fresh fruit for a delicious mix of carbs and protein that helps with muscle recovery.
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10. Salad With Chicken Breast
A fresh salad with grilled chicken breast, leafy greens, and a light vinaigrette provides a balanced meal with lean protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
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11 Nuts or Trail Mix
Nuts and trail mix are portable, energy-dense snacks that contain healthy fats and protein. Look for options with no added sugar, or make your own with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
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12. String Cheese and Whole-Grain Crackers
Pair string cheese with whole-grain crackers for a quick snack that’ll deliver protein and carbs to refuel your body while still being pretty light.
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13. Protein Bar
A protein bar is a convenient meal replacement option for post-workout recovery. Look for one with at least 15 grams of protein, minimal added sugar, and whole-food ingredients.
Pro tip: Keep a few protein bars in your gym bag so you’re always stocked in a pinch.
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14. Hummus and Crudités
Pair hummus with sliced veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers. This snack is a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
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15. Edamame
Legumes and soybeans, like edamame, are excellent sources of carbs, protein, and fiber. Dip them into some coconut aminos, a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
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16. Bone Broth
Bone broth is another fantastic post-workout option, especially when you’re craving something warm. It’s packed with protein, it can help reduce inflammation, and it’s really hydrating.
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Health and Safety Considerations
Post-Workout Health and Safety Considerations
Beyond what to eat after a workout, here are a few more simple things to keep in mind so you feel your best after exercising while also supporting your weight loss efforts:
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Stay hydrated. Drink up! Staying hydrated post-workout is key. Plain water works, but if your session was particularly intense (or you were sweating buckets), toss in some electrolytes or grab a sports drink to replace what you lost.
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Steer clear of processed foods. When it’s time to eat, try to stick to whole foods. While highly processed foods like chips or cookies might be convenient, they’re often loaded with extra sugar and additives that probably won’t fill you up and could lead to overeating.
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Listen to your body. Your body will tell you what it needs — if you learn to read the cues. If you’re hungry, eat! If you’re too full or feeling a bit sluggish, take it easy. It’s okay to give yourself some time to chill and adjust your meals later.
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Practice portion control. Be mindful of portions. It’s crucial to give your body the fuel it needs after a workout, but tuning into portion sizes can help you feel satisfied and energized without overdoing it. If weight loss is one of your goals, find a balance that works for you.
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What to Eat After a Workout: Final Thoughts
Here’s what to keep in mind about post-exercise nutrition to support your weight loss, fitness, and overall health goals:
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Refuel with the right foods. Drink plenty of water after your workout and eat a mix of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats to replenish energy and support muscle recovery. Some examples include Greek yogurt with fruit, a protein shake, or a whole-grain bowl with lean protein and veggies.
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Time your post-workout snack or meal. Try to grab something to eat within 30 minutes to an hour after working out. That’s the sweet spot when your body is primed to soak up nutrients, refuel, and start repairing muscles. But if you can’t eat immediately, don’t stress — it’s okay to eat a bit later when needed.
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Plan ahead. Stock your kitchen with essentials like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies so you can prep meals and snacks in advance for quick, nutritious options on busy days. And, if you’re eating out, apply the same healthy eating tips and tricks to restaurant menus.
Bear in mind everyone’s body is different. What works for you might not work for the next person. For personalized pointers, consider working with a registered dietitian nutritionist.
Related: Coconut Sugar vs. Cane Sugar: Which Is Healthiest?
Related: 15 Metabolism-Boosting & Fat-Burning Foods
This article originally appeared on Forhers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
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