post-workout snacks

I realized it has been a while since I had done a post related to health/fitness, so I want to write about some good snacks to eat post-workout! Depending on the amount of calories burned, different things will be good for your body. Yesterday I taught a Zumba class and had a 2.5 hour dance team practice with a workout - according to My Fitness Pal app, I burned over 1,200 calories! That day I burned a LOT more than a usual workout day, but when I got home, I needed to replenish my muscle tissues and glycogen stores!

Here are a few post-workout snack ideas (note: I'm not a professional; I just enjoy learning tidbits about health from class, magazines, online, etc.) From what I've read and heard, the key is having food that contains carbohydrates and protein.

Water

Water isn't food, but some H2O is especially important after a sweat session to remain hydrated. To me, there's nothing better than an ice-cold glass of water after a long run.

Chocolate Milk

One of the Gold's Gym trainers told me that chocolate milk has the best ratio of carbs to protein to repair your body. If you're working out at a high intensity for 60 minutes or longer, chocolate milk is your friend. AND an excuse to have chocolate!

Whole Grains

My nutrition professor said that if you're going to eat starchy carbs (like whole grain bread or pasta) that the best time to do so is between 45 minutes and two hours post-workout. That is when your body will really take advantage of the nutrients and use it to its benefit. A slice of whole grain toast (my favorite brand is Dave's Killer Bread) with an egg or spread with natural peanut butter is one of my go-to snacks.

Protein Smoothie

Many gyms or smoothie bars often have deceivingly unhealthy smoothies that are loaded with sugar, artificial fruit, and excess protein and carbohydrates. By blending your own at home, you know exactly what you're putting into your body! Check this post for my protein smoothie recipe.

Fruits and vegetables are always another smart choice for low-calorie carbs, and adding hummus or natural peanut butter is a healthy way to make a snack with both carbs and protein. -- And YES, fruits and veggies are carbohydrates too! Carbs ARE good for you! (Well, natural fruits, veggies, and whole grains...)

Eating the right food is crucial after a workout, but more importantly, a healthy lifestyle! Let me know what other healthy snacks you like to eat!

xo-ally

SALADS

I've never really been one to make a large amount of a meal to break into multiple meals throughout the week. I know it's practical, but even I'm too lazy to cook chicken (more like afraid I'll undercook the meat) even though it could last a whole week. Lately, however, I've been making salads ahead of time so I can have it ready to go for dinner. This week I even brought salads to work for lunch! (So much cheaper than buying food every day...)

I chopped up one Roma tomato, one orange bell pepper, and one avocado.

I made a salad with lettuce, avocado, and grapes (so good!) for Tuesday....

...and one with lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, and avocado on Wednesday. I drizzled olive oil instead of dressing on both.

Then I stored the remaining crudites in storage containers. Now when I feel lazy about preparing food, I don't have an excuse to skimp on salad!

xo-ally 

finals week snacks

I'm writing this in the midst of finals week! Yesterday was one heck of a day (studying for about 12 hours straight) followed by another heck of a day today. Which is why I'm posting so late!

Because finals schedules can be so weird, I've been eating at weird times. Often I'll grab a few snacks instead of a meal due to the time of day or when a test is. I thought I'd share a few of my snacks with you!

Pineapple, white cheddar mac n' cheese, popcorn, and vitamins

Okay, so vitamins aren't a snack ... but I take Vitamin C supplements (gummy to satisfy my inner 5-year-old) to keep my immune system going strong. I had a cold for a few days last week and upped my intake of vitamins, fruits, and veggies to knock it out of me - and it did! There was no way I wanted to be sick during finals. Therefore, I recommend taking vitamins for an extra boost when sleep schedules are off - like mine!

Pinapple slices are a great option because I have a major sweet tooth. I always forget how sweet and sour pineapple is! It's healthy and filling, plus cutting it up and putting it in a ready-to-go container in the fridge makes me more likely to eat it.

Air-popped popcorn is really yummy because it is crunchy and tastes great. I prefer air-popped popcorn over microwave popcorn because it is so much healthier. (No artificial preservatives or oils!) All you do is put the kernels in the popper for about five minutes - no oil - and then add butter and salt if you'd like. I got an air popper for only $15 and it's awesome! I also got this whole bag of kernels for $2, and it has lasted a long time.

No finals week snack list would be complete without macaroni and cheese! Even though it's not the healthiest snack, I just couldn't resist buying some! I like Annie's organic white cheddar bunny pasta. Not only is the packaging cute, but it tastes good too.

There you have it! My favorite snacks for finals week. Feel free to add your favorite snacks too, I'd love to get more ideas when my next finals week (or hectic schedule) comes around!

xo