You’ve crushed your strength training sesh and your mind and body are feeling good. You feel strong, lean, and on track to reach your health and fitness goals. And thanks to those feel-good endorphins (and a bumpin’ playlist), you’re happier, more energized, and less stressed. That said, if you want to keep the momentum going and reap all the benefits from your hard work (whether it’s building muscle, losing weight, or toning up), don’t forget: what you do after your workout is just as important as what you do during your workout. We’re talking about post-workout nutrition! Of course, other post-workout activities like stretching and sleep are crucial. But how you fuel your muscles after a workout is key to building strong, lean muscles — especially after resistance training.
Before you head to the kitchen for your post-workout snack, keep in mind — recovery meals may look different depending on the types of exercise and your personal goals! And good news, we’ve got the best options for all your needs. Find out the best foods for strength training and how to adjust your meal and maximize your results based on your workout and fitness goals!
Why It’s Important to Snack After Strength Training
You’ve probably heard the saying “muscles are built in the kitchen,” and research suggests it’s true — when it comes to the importance of a post-workout meal, that is!
Every time you lift a weight or perform a bodyweight exercise during your FitOn strength workouts, you create small microtears in your muscles. Breaking down your muscle may sound a little counterintuitive when the goal is to get stronger — but, this is actually the first step to increasing muscle strength and size!
The next step? Replenishing your muscles with the proper foods for strength training to help repair and rebuild. Without these nutrients, your muscles won’t be able to properly repair the damage caused during exercise, potentially leading to further muscle breakdown rather than muscle repair. As you can see, nourishing the body with the best foods for strength training after a workout is important if you want to see the best results!
The Best Foods to Feed Your Muscles
When you nourish your muscles after a tough workout, don’t skimp on the carbs and protein! There’s no need to avoid these foods for fear of getting “bulky”. In fact, research suggests a 3:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein (or 3 grams of carbohydrates for every 1 gram of protein) is the best way to build lean muscle mass, making these nutrients the best foods for strength training.
Carbohydrates
With Keto, Paleo, and all sorts of fasting diets, carbs have been given a bad rap. But the truth is, carbohydrates are one of the best foods for strength training. Carbs not only assist in the repair and recovery phase, but they help fuel the body during a workout — a win-win!
Research suggests the addition of post-workout carbs enhances the muscle recovery process in two ways: preventing muscle breakdown and increasing protein synthesis.
But, not so fast — we’re not saying you should go refuel with a bag of processed chips or candy! It’s important to enjoy clean carb sources. Here are some of the best carbohydrate-rich foods for strength training recovery:
- Bananas or other whole fruits
- Sweet potatoes or starchy veggies
- Brown or white rice
- Oats or quinoa
Protein
Unlike carbs, protein is idolized as a key nutrient in most diets. While it’s important to eat protein regularly throughout the day, it’s especially important to consume adequate protein after your workout.
Research suggests even a single session of resistance training causes the breakdown of muscle protein, so it’s essential to feed your muscles after every workout! Protein supplementation is one of the best foods for strength training as it provides your muscles with essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, giving your muscles the nutrients they need to repair and rebuild.
Here are some of the best protein-rich foods for strength training
- Eggs
- Protein powder or Collagen
- Lean poultry, meat, or fish
- Unsweetened Greek yogurt
- Lentils and beans
- Nut butter such as peanut butter or almond butter
RELATED: Is Chocolate Milk Really The Ultimate Post-Workout Drink?
How Snacks May Look Different Based on Intensity & Fitness Goals
We all have different bodies, different fitness goals, and different workout routines — so, how does that impact our post-workout needs?
Well, research suggests a 3:1 ratio of carbs to protein is the best post-workout ratio of foods for strength training, regardless of your goals. Whether you want to lean your body or build muscle, these macronutrients will help prevent muscle breakdown and stimulate the growth of lean muscle mass — which is ideal for either fitness goal!
So, where’s the difference? If you want to tone muscle versus build muscle, the difference in what you should eat after a workout comes down to size! Of course, lifestyle factors and healthy eating habits play a large role, but in terms of post-workout nutrition, portion size is key.
If you’re looking to put on muscle mass, start by increasing the overall amount of post-workout foods for strength training while also increasing your daily calorie intake. If you’re looking to tone and shred, focus on a slow and steady caloric deficit. Remember: it’s important not to restrict calories too much — the goal should be to retain lean muscle mass while slowly shredding your physique!
When it comes to determining your post-workout portion sizes, workout intensity and duration is a factor, too! With that in mind, here are the best snacks to eat based on your workout.
The Best Foods For Strength Training at Maximum Effort
When you go all out during a workout and leave every last drop of sweat on the floor, your post-workout fuel should be much more substantial! Think of this as a satiating meal rather than a light snack. If you’re giving your workout everything you’ve got, your energy is going to be depleted, and your muscles are going to need more nutrients to refuel!
Here are some of the best foods for strength training when performing at your maximal effort:
- A nourishing oatmeal bowl with an added scoop of protein powder or nut butter and a handful of fresh fruit
- Large salad with 4 oz. salmon or chicken and roasted sweet potato
- Post-workout protein smoothie with berries, spinach, banana, and a protein add-in such as a serving of nut butter, Greek yogurt, or a scoop of protein powder
- 2 eggs and an egg white with sauteed veggies on 2 slices of Ezekial toast
The Best Foods For Strength Training at Moderate Effort
Maybe you had an off day at the gym and didn’t put much effort into your workout, or maybe you just decided to take it easy with a moderate workout. Sometimes less is more! Whether it was a slow yoga flow or a 15-minute fast-paced walk, the best foods for strength training at moderate effort are foods that are nutritious but light. Rather than thinking of this as a meal, consider it a snack!
Here are healthy post-workout snacks to consider for a moderate-level workout!
- A single-serve Greek yogurt with a handful of berries
- One cup of chocolate milk
- Energy Balls or a protein bar
- 1 Rice cake with a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter
- An apple with 1 tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter
- A portion of nuts and berries
RELATED: Top 7 Post-Workout Snacks + 3 Recipes
Recipes to Help You Refuel After Your Next Strength Workout
Rise & Shine Protein Smoothie
After a strenuous strength sesh, refueling with a protein smoothie is always a good idea. This FitOn PRO Rise & Shine Protein Smoothie is full of antioxidants, protein, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the best (and tastiest) foods for strength training.
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen blueberries
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- ½ tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 handful ice cubes
- shredded coconut, to serve
- honey, to drizzle
Directions:
Step #1: Add all ingredients minus the shredded coconut to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
Step #2: Pour into a glass and top with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Greek Yogurt and Raspberry Rice Cakes
If your workout was on the lighter side, a lighter snack is in order — and we know just the thing: Greek Yogurt and Raspberry Rice Cakes! Made with protein-rich Greek yogurt, light and crunchy rice cakes, and fiber-rich fruit to keep you satiated without feeling stuffed!
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp sliced almonds
- ¼ cup raspberries
- 2 brown rice cake
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp honey
Directions:
Step #1: Spread the yogurt on the rice cake. Top with raspberries, sliced almonds, and a drizzle of honey.
Overnight Protein-Packed Chia Pudding
If you smashed a sweaty workout sesh all before breakfast, we’ve got a quick-and-easy option that will keep you fueled and full all morning long. When you need something a little heartier, this tasty breakfast bowl is one of the best foods for strength training. Plus, it can be prepped in advance to save you time and stress on busy mornings!
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup oat milk
- 1 scoop protein powder
- ½ banana, mashed
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 handful mixed berries
- slivered almonds, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: Place the chia seeds in a bowl and cover with the oat milk. Add the protein powder, banana, cinnamon, vanilla, and pure maple syrup. Stir well.
Step #2: Place in the fridge overnight.
Step #3: Top with fresh berries and slivered almond before enjoying
Sweet & Savory Salmon, Sweet Potato, and Kale Salad
When you’re feeling like a full-on post-workout meal, this protein-packed sweet potato and salmon salad will be your new go-to. Another simple and satiating choice that’s jam-packed with nutrients and will satisfy all your savory cravings.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- ½ avocado
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- sea salt & black pepper
- 6 cups kale
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 lemon
- 1 lbs salmon filet
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 sweet potato
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup green onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tomato, chopped
Directions:
Step #1: Preheat the broiler on high. Squeeze half the lemon juice over the salmon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the salmon under the broiler for 6-8 minutes or until flaky and cooked through.
Step #2: Meanwhile combine the remaining lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and mustard. Massage into the kale for 1-2 minutes until kale begins to soften.
Step #3: Pierce the sweet potato a few times with a fork or knife. Microwave for 4-5 minutes until tender. You can also bake it in the oven. Carefully chop.
Step #4: Toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper.
Refuel Those Tired Muscles With a Delicious Post-Workout Meal
No matter what your fitness goals, it’s important to refuel those tired muscles post-strength training. The good news is that there are plenty of nourishing and delicious ways to snack post-workout. After your next workout, try one of these foods to eat after strength training. They may give you that post-workout energy boost your body needs!
For more delicious recipes, join FitOn PRO for access to personalized meal plans and exclusive recipes to reach your fitness goals faster without counting calories and with foods you’ll love to eat.
