What is your best post workout nutrient? And why?

1. 59

   JaymoChroniclesposted 11 years ago

   What is your best post workout nutrient? And why?
   
   There is large debate about what to consume after an intensive workout, however I am interested to see who has good reasoning for their own post workout supplementation. I personally, eat half a weetabix to replenish glycogen, along with some cooked chicked or some kind of meat for the lean protein and amino acids, used for healing.

   replyreport
2. 80

   hrymelposted 11 years ago

   I've always been taught that you eat Carbs before a workout for energy, and healthy protein after for restoring muscles.  I personally eat a serving of cottage cheese or hummus within 30 minutes of my workout ending, and then eat a meal within the next hour to hour and a half.  I'm trying to cut back on my meat consumption, and being a 5 foot tall female, calcium is pretty important to my diet.  It's actually a lot easier to get enough protein through non-meat products than I originally thought.

   replyreport
3. 74

   Abby Campbellposted 11 years ago

   What you're doing is very sensible. I would recommend eating some lean protein and starchy carbohydrates after a strenuous workout. As you've stated, the protein will help in the healing process from the microscopic tears you've most likely created through the strenuous workout. Because of glycogen depletion, the starchy carbohydrates will replenish your muscles and body. If you don't replenish your glycogen levels, you place your thyroid and metabolism in danger. The best protein post strenuous workout is whey, and the healthiest starchy carbohydrates would be potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, oats, and Ezekiel bread. You want to replenish your glycogen levels quickly after your workout, and the whey and starchy carbohydrates will do this for you. Some will utilize simple carbohydrates rather than starchy carbohydrates instead.  This includes fruit or fruit juice.  However, I don't agree with this because the fructose in the fruit and juices will most likely replenish liver glycogen rather than muscle glycogen. In addition, eating within the next hour or two with a more balanced meal containing dietary and essential fats is also recommended.

   replyreport