Six of the Best Foods for Workouts and Recovery

As well as getting regular exercise, it’s also important to eat the right foods to give you energy. If you like to work out late morning, make sure you eat breakfast at least an hour before. But if you prefer to get your exercise done and dusted first thing, try to have a light snack or a drink beforehand. Even if you’re not ready for a proper breakfast, your body still needs fuel. After you’ve finished, try to eat within 30 to 45 minutes as your body now needs to rebuild its energy stores. The sooner you can eat after exercising, the better.

What to eat

The type of training you take on will also influence the type of food you need to eat. Anyone doing cardio activities such as running, and cycling should be consuming more carbohydrates and some protein. While those on resistance training that improves muscular strength and endurance need fewer carbs and more protein. Fruit and oats are a good choice pre-workout while post-exercise eats should ideally combine carbs (pulses, wholemeal bread and rice or sweet potato) and protein (eggs, yoghurt, tofu, oily fish or chicken). Remember to stay hydrated throughout. Our bodies need water during a workout to speed up recovery afterwards. Aim to drink at least eight ounces every 15 minutes and more if you are sweating heavily.

Six of the best foods for workouts and recovery

OATS

A fantastic source of fibre and carbohydrates. Oats are full of essential vitamins and minerals. They are digested at a slow pace thanks to the presence of beta glucan fibre. Beta glucan is also linked to improving cholesterol levels and boosting heart health. So eat before a workout and they will help to maximise energy levels during and after exercise.

EGGS

Rich in healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, eggs allow worn muscles a speedy recovery. Eat them whole or just the egg whites if you’re concerned about cholesterol. If you have a steam oven, you can cook eggs and porridge at the same time. Place eggs in a perforated tray and the oats in a cereal bowl with double the liquid and cook on 100˚C for six minutes. To cook just eggs, check the automatic programme and select how you want them done. Check out our guide to the perfect slow cooked egg here

OILY FISH

Omega 3-rich fish such as salmon, trout, sardines or mackerel help with muscle soreness after resistance training. This is because the Omega 3s work their way into muscle cells, reducing inflammation caused by exercise and weight lifting.

SWEET POTATO

Eating carbohydrate-rich foods can help lessen the drop in your immune system that may happen after intense exercise. And what’s more, any carbs consumed after a workout are more likely to be used as energy rather than stored as fat. Why not have a go at making our Beetroot, Sweet Potato and Parsnip Crisps for a post-workout snack here Alternatively, thinly slice a sweet potato, brush with olive oil and dehydrate on the highest setting in the warming drawer for two or three hours.

QUINOA

Loaded with protein and fibre, quinoa is a nutritious addition to any diet. Containing plant compounds and packed with all the essential amino acids, it’s a perfect ingredient for vegan or gluten-free recipes.

BANANAS

Rich in potassium and carbohydrates, bananas are an ideal snack after exercising. Potassium is good for the heart and blood pressure and they provide a good source of vitamin C too. There’s also manganese, great for the skin, as well as aiding digestion and giving you energy. Just take care to avoid high sugar banana smoothies.