carbs, protein, or fat after workout?

[eatyourbroccoli]

could anybody please tell me which are the best foods to focus on post-workout for maximum recovery? also, should you wait to eat, eat right away, or just eat when you become hungry?

thanks :)

ps
im trying to tone, not put on muscle mass/beef up or anything. really, im just wanting to get my body moving again after being more or less house-bound for the past 8 months

[belleadonna]

Definitely carbs. Within an hour after your workout. Good luck!!

[PixieLed]

I don't know which categories of food groups are best... but this works great for me: bananas! :D

[the_lab_rat]

I don't know if there are any "best" foods, but most people say to eat carbs. Then again, most people eat at McD's like 5 times a week, so why would we listen to most people? :p

I think the carbs are supposed to restore glycogen in your muscles, to replenish energy and prevent breakdown of muscle tissue. Or something like that. But if you aren't trying to do any serious exercise or body building, why not just eat what you want when you want and not force it if you aren't hungry?

[Sunshine9]

I like to drink a lot of water, then a bit later have something... I like goji berries since they have protein & sugar. Also anything with electrolytes, so a green juice is nice. Orr a green smoothie. Or just fruit right away if i'm feeling at all light headed.

I say, just whatever you feel like!!

[Veganforlife]

Two words.

Green Smoothies.

[Revvell]

Six words: Whatever makes you feel good after.

I never break my foods down like that. Sometimes after working out I don't eat for quite some time; sometimes I'll eat half a watermelon; other times a salad. *shrugs*. Eat what YOU feel to eat after you workout.

Revvell

[eatyourbroccoli]

thanks for the feedback guys! :)

[eatyourbroccoli]

Two words.

Green Smoothies.

Veg we needta make you a shirt that says

"Two words:" on the front
and "Green Smoothies!" on the back :D

its so true, though. theyre pretty great

[miller]

Carbs is what I prefer. Though if you are not doing hard routines other intakes will also do.

[peachy_pie]

I'm not sure if i will annoy anyone here by disagreeing with all these, but Im gunna have to!!! I have done human movement components as part of my university degree, and the basic rule is CARBS give energy PROTEIN repairs and builds muscle. SO... 1-2 hours before your workout have something carby which will provide the energy you need to have an awesome workout, like an essene bread open sandwhich with heaps of veg. Then, 30 mins-1 hour after your workout, have something with protein, which will help repair, strengthen and nourish your muscles. I still have silken tofu in a raw smoothie after strenuous workouts - i know its not 100% raw, but the quality protein can't be beat! I must stress, the need for protein is increased a lot if your workout includes weights. Many raw foodists on other forums have commented on the significant decrease in their muscular strength and size after a few months on the raw food diet.

Hope this helps!

[Revvell]

Green smoothies cover both the carb and protein issue.

Revvell



I'm not sure if i will annoy anyone here by disagreeing with all these, but Im gunna have to!!! I have done human movement components as part of my university degree, and the basic rule is CARBS give energy PROTEIN repairs and builds muscle. SO... 1-2 hours before your workout have something carby which will provide the energy you need to have an awesome workout, like an essene bread open sandwhich with heaps of veg. Then, 30 mins-1 hour after your workout, have something with protein, which will help repair, strengthen and nourish your muscles. I still have silken tofu in a raw smoothie after strenuous workouts - i know its not 100% raw, but the quality protein can't be beat! I must stress, the need for protein is increased a lot if your workout includes weights. Many raw foodists on other forums have commented on the significant decrease in their muscular strength and size after a few months on the raw food diet.

Hope this helps!

[eatyourbroccoli]

I'm not sure if i will annoy anyone here by disagreeing with all these, but Im gunna have to!!! I have done human movement components as part of my university degree, and the basic rule is CARBS give energy PROTEIN repairs and builds muscle. SO... 1-2 hours before your workout have something carby which will provide the energy you need to have an awesome workout, like an essene bread open sandwhich with heaps of veg. Then, 30 mins-1 hour after your workout, have something with protein, which will help repair, strengthen and nourish your muscles. I still have silken tofu in a raw smoothie after strenuous workouts - i know its not 100% raw, but the quality protein can't be beat! I must stress, the need for protein is increased a lot if your workout includes weights. Many raw foodists on other forums have commented on the significant decrease in their muscular strength and size after a few months on the raw food diet.

Hope this helps!

thats what my boyfriend told me too :)


Green smoothies cover both the carb and protein issue.

Revvell

so this is what i decided to eat! :p

thanks everyone :D

[durianrider]

EVERY cell in the body is fueled by glucose.
the body is made up of 70% water.
fruit provides the above and the amino acids.

i train 20 hours a day sometimes. i eat massive mono meals of fruit. its easy on digestion and aids my recovery so im out the door quicker and reach peak form more effectively..

lifes short
pick ya sport
grab that sweet juicy raw
and slam it past ya jaw
whilst ya fly'n out da door
sing'n 'my life i adore!'

[Ariella]

i do green smoothies but i add some hemp protein powder to it as well.

HTH :)

[EZ rider]

In my opinion it is best to eat carbs before your workout to provide lots of energy for the workout. A short period of time without eating before the workout would be good to help clear the stomach of food. During the workout eat nothing except very easy to digest liquids so that your energy is not being used in the digestive effort. Water is great to have during the workout. After the workout eat protein to help re-build your muscles which have been broken down during the workout.

[Mehrad]

could anybody please tell me which are the best foods to focus on post-workout for maximum recovery? also, should you wait to eat, eat right away, or just eat when you become hungry?

thanks :)

ps
im trying to tone, not put on muscle mass/beef up or anything. really, im just wanting to get my body moving again after being more or less house-bound for the past 8 months

Ok since your not beefing up just carbs, so complex carbs, smoothies are good, and you should have it straight after workout or at least withing 30mins of your workout!

Hope I've helped.

-Mehrad

[Blazin'Jane]

I've been adding a vegetable protein powder to my water bottles for riding. (Actually, when this can is gone, I'm going to switch to hemp protein, just to get out from under the soy. But I agree that some protein after a workout helps to rebuild and repair. I have had no muscle soreness this season and I'm riding stronger, longer, and faster. And green smoothies rock, but I usually drink a huge one before I ride and I add some spirulina to it for good measure --more protein.:)