The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
Most of us already know how important it is for us to eat after working out, but so many people go on a run before work or hit up the gym before happy hour, so a well balanced meal isn’t exactly at our fingertips. Eating after a workout helps your muscles recover, so just because you’re on the go doesn’t mean you should skip out on providing your body with the nourishment it needs.
Luckily, sticking a healthy snack in your bag ahead of time can give you easy access to the nutrients needed to build strong and healthy muscle. Next time you’re headed to the gym and need an easy food option, try one of these six post-workout snacks you can bring on the go.
1. Roasted Edamame Snack Pack
Edamame is filled with protein and fiber to replenish your muscles after a workout. A study from the International Journal of Obesity also found that eating soy protein can help reduce body fat and mass, as well as lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
Nutritional Information Per Serving:
- 100 Calories
- 25g Protein
- 115 mg Sodium
- 3 g Fat
Seapoint Farms Edamame, Lightly Roasted, $15.96 for 8 packets
2. Oatmeal Express Cups
Oatmeal contains the necessary protein and carbohydrates to fuel your muscles post-workout. Because it is filled with complex carbohydrates, oatmeal can also help you feel fuller for longer, which can help prevent overeating and lead to weight loss.
Nutritional Information Per Serving:
- 160 Calories
- 4g Protein
- 135 mg Sodium
- 5 g Fat
Quaker Instant Oatmeal, $1.67
3. Hardboiled Eggs
Eggs are a good choice post-workout, as they contain a high amount of protein to rebuild your muscles. Boil a batch at the beginning of the week or buy some pre-boiled eggs so you can stick them in your gym bag or your purse and eat them as soon as your finished. You can also pair them with a piece of fruit to balance off your snack with some healthy carbohydrates.
Nutritional Information Per Serving:
- 78 Calories
- 6g Protein
- 62 mg Sodium
- 5 g Fat
4. Health Warrior Chia Bars
This bar contains not only omega-3 fatty acids and fiber from the chia seeds, but it also contains protein from cashews, healthy fat from coconut, and complex carbohydrates from oats. Omega-3 fatty acids are important to consume after a workout, as studies show that it increases the rate of muscle protein synthesis in older adults.
Nutritional Information Per Serving:
- 110 Calories
- 3 g Protein
- 45 mg Sodium
- 6 g Fat
Health Warrior Chia Coconut Bars, $6.73 for a pack of 5
5. Lara Bar Fruit And Seed Mix
This gluten-free blend of nuts, fruits, and seeds come in pouches that are easy to throw into your bag when you’re on the go. The combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat provides all the nutrients you need to recover after a workout, and this granola is only sweetened with fruit juice, making it a great refined sugar-free option.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- 200 Calories
- 6 g Protein
- 30 mg Sodium
- 14 g Fat
Larabars, $6.89 for 5.1 ounces
6. Bananas
Bananas are a great source of carbohydrates, potassium, and fiber, and they’re inexpensive and easy to carry around. A study from Appalachian State University even found that bananas are better than sports drinks in aiding performance during intensive exercise, and unlike sports drinks, they contain antioxidants and natural sugars that give your body an extra nutritional boost.
Nutritional Information Per Serving:
- 105 Calories
- 1.3 g Protein
- 1 mg Sodium
- .4 g Fat
Photo by s.milne 