Friday, August 29, 2008

Post Workout Nutrition


Check out the latest mini-article I featured at Waltham's Waverley Oaks Athletic Club (http://www.waverleyoaks.com/):

September, 2008: Post-Workout Nutrition

By Paul Connolly, WOAC Personal Trainer

We all know by now that breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. I’d argue that the post-workout (PWO) meal/snack is a VERY close 2nd. Exercise is a physiological stressor from which your body needs adequate restoration: enter the PWO meal/snack. A proper balance of carbohydrates, lean protein, and “good” (unsaturated) fat should comprise the PWO meal/snack. Optimum benefits are achieved when eating the PWO meal/snack within one hour of completing your workout. Some examples of nutritious PWO options include the following:

Homemade shake: Mix the following in a blender: 8-12 oz. water or skim milk (depending upon your caloric needs), fresh berries, 1 Tablespoon natural peanut butter, 1-2 scoops protein powder, and 6 ice cubes.

Chocolate milk: No, this is not a typo. Chocolate milk has a respectable Carb:Protein ratio (CHO:PRO of approximately 3:1) for consuming after a workout.

Greek Yogurt with Almonds: Admittedly, I’ve been on a Greek yogurt kick lately (high in protein and low in sugar). A small portion of almonds will provide complementary unsaturated fats.

Check out Paul’s online blog for more information: http://pcconditioning.blogspot.com/

No comments: