Every athlete or exercise-lover has a preference regarding eating before a workout or not. What everyone definitely agrees on, because almost everyone gets hungry during a workout, is eating after a workout.

What you eat post-recovery is the important element, however, because it can actually assist with recovery, or slow things down.

Our list of snacks to enjoy after your workout will help your recovery and are delicious as well.

• Turmeric smoothie & grapes

After a workout, the body is full of inflammation and lactic acid. Many people opt for protein after a workout, but because protein is acidic, providing your body with a snack that is alkaline will aid recovery. Turmeric has high anti-inflammatory properties so a turmeric smoothie will help with inflammation, and snacking on grapes that are alkaline will bring down the acidity in your body.

• Dates

Dates are incredibly high in potassium which is an excellent option to revitalise your body and flush out excess salt and water weight after a workout.

• Peanut butter banana smoothie

A peanut butter banana smoothie may seem contradictory considering we just said protein isn’t that helpful after a workout, but the idea with this is to drink half of it before your workout as the protein will give you a boost in energy for your workout, and the banana with its potassium will help with the salt. You can also add in cinnamon which will help control your blood sugar so that you don’t crash after a workout.

• Popcorn

Popcorn is one of the best whole-grain sources to replenish glycogen storage after a hectic workout. This snack works incredibly well for both endurance and resistance workouts.

• Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and nutrients like vitamins B6, C, D, iron, magnesium, and potassium. The carbohydrates in sweet potatoes will replenish your glycogen stores, and the magnesium will help prevent any cramps and help with rebuilding muscles.

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