Post Workout Snack Ideas

So you’ve just finished an intense Dance Fitness class, a Pole session, or a Burlesque routine. And you’re starving. What do you eat?

It can be hard to find a good snack to help fuel you post-workout without undoing all the work you just did. The goal is to find something that’s balanced and filling: plenty of protein and vitamins, but in most cases some carbs will give you an energy boost.

Here are some of our favorite post workout snacks!

A Smoothie or Protein Shake

This is your best option if it’s going to be a while before your next meal. A protein heavy smoothie or even a protein shake will keep you full for quite a while!

When choosing premade protein shakes or protein powders, make sure you keep an eye on the sugar content. They can be unnecessarily heavy on sugar.

With smoothies, put some greens or other veggies in them if you make them at home. Even if you’re not a spinach or kale fan, the fruit will mask it! Here’s a great resource to finding some smoothie recipes.

If you grab a smoothie on your way home, make sure you choose something with just fruits and veggies - and maybe an added multivitamin!

Fruit and Nuts or Trail Mix

This is a good quick snack for if you just need to tide yourself over on your way home or while you’re making something more substantial.

When grabbing trail mix, make sure it’s a well balanced one with plenty of fruit and nuts and fewer crackers or candies.

Peanuts, almonds, and pistachios have the highest protein content of any nuts, so they’ll keep you fuller longer.

Hummus and Pita or Veggies

Hummus on pita or vegetables is a good post workout snack too. The chickpeas in hummus are very protein and fiber rich, which will keep you full for quite a while.

It doesn’t lose any nutritional value when you eat it with pita chips or something similar, but veggies will give you added vitamins and minerals with less bulk.

Peanut Butter and Banana Toast

This is a well balanced snack, but it can also double as a breakfast. Bananas are a great fruit for post workout as they help prevent cramps.

The peanut butter can be substituted for your favorite nut butter if you don’t prefer traditional peanut butter.

Granola With Fruit and Yogurt

Another substantial snack that can be also used as a breakfast, granola has plenty of fiber to keep you full and the fruit has plenty of vitamins to give you a boost. Any yogurt would work, but Greek yogurt gives you the best ‘bang for your buck’ as far as nutritious and filling.

Even if you use yogurts with fruit in them, make sure to add some fresh fruit to the mix so that you get all of the nutritional benefits of the fruit. And it makes it more filling and energizing!

Ensuring that your body is properly fueled after a workout is a vital part of recovering from strenuous activity, whether it’s cardio or strength based. As long as you’re getting enough protein, vitamins, minerals, and energy, you’re doing fine!