You know the feeling when you've had an intense workout session. Your body hurts in places you didn’t know existed, and you just know you’re going to be sore the day after. 🥵

Good, wholesome nutrition is the answer to these woes! It’s fuel for progress! Just as stretching and cooling down is important after a workout, recovery nutrition is also vital for repairing tired muscles and restoring energy. Here’s a list of food items that can help you with faster muscle recovery and repair:

1. Bananas

Bananas are a rich source of both carbohydrates and potassium. When consumed after a workout, they help to replenish our body's stored form of energy - known as glycogen - which depletes after extended exercise! So, by consuming carbohydrates within 2-3 hours of a tough workout, we can help our muscles bounce back faster. What’s more, potassium helps restore electrolytes lost when we sweat during activity!

yellow banana fruit on brown wooden chopping board

2. Eggs

It’s common knowledge that our muscles need protein – but are all proteins the right ones for muscle growth? It actually depends on the quality, and not the quantity of high-protein foods we eat. Eggs have a unique nutrition profile which is great for athletes of all ages. While they make an excellent addition to any meal of the day, the nutrients in eggs can especially help speed up recovery when consumed post-workout!

basket of eggs — Photo by Court on Unsplash

3. Chicken:

Chicken is a common go-to for many of those seeking muscle mass gains - and for good reason. It’s lean, it’s highly versatile, and it’s relatively cost-effective as well. In fact, it’s one of the leanest meat varieties that you can buy so it should be a staple in your overall diet program!

raw meat on brown wooden table — Photo by Eiliv-Sonas Aceron on Unsplash

4. Fish

Think of salmon as your best friend for building muscle! This fatty fish is filled with omega-3 fatty acids, which offer numerous health benefits, including fighting heart disease, promoting brain health, and decreasing inflammation.

grilled fish, cooked vegetables, and fork on plate — Photo by Caroline Attwood on Unsplash

You can incorporate a delicious cut of wild salmon for dinner a couple of times a week or enjoy salmon jerky as an easy, protein-packed, portable snack!

What’s your favorite source of protein to snack on post-workout? Let us know in the comments below!

Health & Wellness with AimFit

Best Foods For Muscle Recovery & Repair 🥗