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Foods to eat before or after workouts for energy and recovery

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Don’t have enough energy to complete your workout or feel shaky after exercising?

Registered dietitian Michelle Jaelin says that means you are not getting enough fuel before or after your workouts.

Jaelin joined Annette Hamm on Morning Live to share a few pre- and post-workout snack ideas.

What to Eat Before Exercising

Having a snack 30 minutes to three hours before working out helps to regulate blood sugar levels and gives you more energy to get through your exercise routine, Jaelin said.

She recommended a peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole grain bread, organic oatmeal with berries, raisins or orange juice.

“Those are things that will digest quicker so that you can get onto your workout right away without feeling like you’ve got too much going on in your stomach,” Jaelin said.

What to Eat After Exercising

It is important to eat a meal with carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes of exercising, she said.

“Carbs help to replenish the glycogen in your muscles that you’ve used for exercise,” Jaelin said. “Protein helps with muscle recovery and repair.”

Post-workout snack ideas include a turkey sandwich, an omelette with a side salad or this smoothie below.

 

Post-Workout Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients

  • ½ cup 100% orange juice
  • 1 scoop protein powder OR 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 handful baby spinach
  • ½ cup frozen fruit such as mango
  • ¼ of a small avocado
  • Water (add more if too thick)

Directions

  1. Blend everything together and enjoy.