5 Post-Workout Snacks That Won’t Pile On the Pounds

Post-Workout Snacks yogurt and berries

Whether you’ve been pounding on the treadmill or if you’ve been playing football, you know what a good, hard workout feels like. You come home from the gym exhausted needing some type of fuel to keep you going. Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes people make after they workout is eating a highly calorific meal or snack that literally undoes all of their hard work.

If you’re working out in order to lose or manage your weight, the last thing you need to do is be eating a big, fatty snack that will simply be piling on the pounds. Any of the below-mentioned snack ideas are great for keeping the calories low and the protein high. Protein is essential for rebuilding muscle after working out.

Post-Workout Snacks That Are Ideal for Those Managing Their Weight

Here is a list of five post-workout snacks that won’t pile on the pounds:

  1. Peanut Butter on Celery

Peanut butter is a staple for people who workout a lot and need to rebuild muscle. Not only is it totally vegetarian and vegan-friendly, but it is literally packed with protein. Slap some peanut butter onto a few sticks of celery and you have a delicious, wholesome post-workout snack.

  1. Yogurt and Fresh Berries

Yogurt is another treat that’s packed with protein, especially if you get Greek yogurt, which is generally thicker. Add a few fresh berries on top of the yogurt to complement the flavors and you’ll be in post-workout snack heaven.

  1. Protein Shakes or Bars

While there are many protein shakes and bars that are relatively high in calories, there are some that won’t contribute to weight gain. By choosing a good quality protein shake or bar and keeping those calories low, you’ll have a delicious treat specific to heavy exercise.

  1. Cold Cuts with Cheese Cubes
See also  Getting In Shape The Smart Way, For Your Wedding

Turkey and cheese is another go-to for many who workout regularly. The turkey is a viable source of protein and the cheese adds calcium to your diet, which is a necessity when you’re lifting weights or burning fat.

  1. Hummus

Hummus can be added to pita bread or rice cakes to make a tasty low-cal snack. Because there are so many different types of hummus on the market, it’s easy to find one that fits your tastes well and allows you to customize the flavors you’re looking to enjoy.

Choosing the Perfect Snack

When it comes to choosing the perfect post-workout snack, it’s important to choose something that you like. So many workout gurus will tell you that food is just fuel for your body and, while this is definitely true, you also have to like what you eat to fully get the benefits from it. For example, if you hate hummus and buy it just because it’s a low-calorie snack option, you’ll find yourself skipping the after-exercise hummus platter and going for a candy bar instead.

Keeping Those Calories Low

If you’re in the supermarket looking for a post-workout snack option, it’s vital that you choose something that’s low in calories. Sure, you’ve probably heard of low-carb and low-fat diets, but the main proponent of losing weight comes down to calories in versus calories out. If you workout for an hour and burn 150 calories on the treadmill and then get off and eat a 300 calorie snack, you might as well have not worked out at all.

See also  Ready to Shed Some Pounds? Try CBD for Weight Loss

It’s also important for you to eat a protein-packed snack after exercising as it helps to rebuild muscle and keep you strong. A sugary candy bar does not make for a healthy snack when you’re trying to live a better and more active lifestyle. Instead of grabbing for a candy bar or high-calorie snack, have some of the above mentioned treats on hand so that you always have something readily available.

You don’t have to spend a small fortune on your post-workout foods, as there are many that can be purchased in bulk and have a relatively long shelf life. The key is to have them handy so that you’re more apt to reach for them after you get off of the treadmill or in from playing some type of sport.