There’s tons of information on the interwebs about fitness and nutrition, and trying to wade through it can send even the most health-minded among us into a “IDK what I’m doing so I’m just going to eat pizza” tailspin. First off: Don’t go down that road. If you’re confused about what to eat after you work out, Alex Blodgett, co-founder and CMO of just-launched nutrition company Revere, is here to help.
“Most women know there’s a link between fitness and nutrition but aren’t exactly sure what it is. How many times have you Googled, ‘What should I eat after a workout?’ It’s tough to navigate so much information,” she says.
“What you put into your body immediately after your workout is almost more important than the workout itself. Your muscles need proper nourishment, in the proper ratio, at the proper time, so they can repair themselves and become stronger and sleeker for tomorrow. With Revere, we solve all three of these issues with on-the-go packets that have everything you need and nothing you don’t.”
Here, she breaks down what you’re probably getting wrong with your post-workout routine—and how to fix it.
Post-Workout Mistakes
"Through the years, I've watched so many women absolutely kill themselves in a spin class, only to leave and drink a green juice or smoothie with tons of hidden sugars afterward—unknowingly undoing all the hard work they just put in," she says.
"It's crucial to get protein directly after a workout. Vegetable green juice can certainly have a place in your diet, just not surrounding your exercise. So many of these juices, just like smoothies, have tons of sugar. Don't be fooled, check the label."
Have your green juice—without fruit—pre-workout instead.
"Thirty minutes before and 30 after your workout are the most important windows when you should be consuming nutrients," says Alex.
"Together, carbohydrates and protein are a nutritional dream team for workout recovery. The faster you can refuel with protein, the larger its role can be. When you work out, you're breaking down your muscles. Consuming plant-based protein within 30 minutes promotes muscle strength through repair. Same goes for your body's stored form of energy, called glycogen. You're depleting it during that run or boot camp. Post-workout nutrients like sweet potato and electrolytes replenish that lost glycogen, thus restoring energy. Not to mention, your metabolism is at an all-time high right after you work out, so satiating yourself now isn't only thrifty, it keeps you from making bad decisions later when you crash."
"So much of your recovery, and I don't just mean physical, but emotional as well, comes through healthy amounts of sleep. Just like your mind, your body needs rest to repair and recover, so you can come back stronger tomorrow in every way."
You Avoid Carbs
"Carbs after a workout are not the enemy! They're actually crucial to muscle repair, as long as they're paired with the correct ratio of protein. Sounds confusing, but we make it easy. Revere comes in formulas with specific ratios that include carbohydrates derived from sweet potatoes, and protein from peas and brown rice, in doses prepared for you based on your workout type."
