Top Post-Workout Recovery Foods to Eat

You can't go wrong with a really good workout in your day. But can you undo the work you put in by eating a cheeseburger afterwards? You won't lose your body's newfound strength by eating poorly after a workout, but you can do your body a lot of good by choosing certain recovery foods instead.

A workout asks more of your body than muscle building alone, and the right foods help it refuel. When it's time to eat after your workout, reach for these.

Leafy greens

It's probably no surprise that a salad beats a cheeseburger after a workout. What may surprise you is that leafy greens like spinach, kale and watercress are a good source of iron.

You'll find iron in meat and fish too, where it's known as heme iron. Plants provide non-heme iron. A healthy balance of both helps you get the iron you need. Leafy greens also bring vitamins, minerals, fibre and vitamin C to your post-workout meal.

Berries and cherries

Skip the chocolate bar or potato chips when you need a post-workout snack. Reach for blueberries, tart cherries or any dark berry instead. Dark berries are known for their antioxidants, and they make a quick, satisfying snack.

Blend them into a post-workout smoothie or just eat them fresh.

A shake with whey protein

If you're making a shake with your berries, consider adding whey protein. Whey contains all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks your body uses to rebuild lean tissue.

Whey is a by-product of cheese making, and not all whey powders are made the same. Look for one without added hormones, pesticides or grain by-products.

Fermented foods

Last but not least, fermented foods are a great addition to your recovery meals. They support the healthy bacteria in your gut, which play a part in how you digest and absorb your food. Try kefir, kimchi or sauerkraut.

Looking for foods that support your recovery and your training? Start with these four, and ask us at your next visit how your spine and joints are handling your workouts.