Recovery – Fuel after Workouts

This is the third article in a four-part series on eating to perform while balancing life and training demands. The information provided here is from the Norwegian organization “Sunn Jenteidrett,” which published the “Eat Smart” cookbook and resource guide on nutrition and training. Sunn Jenteidrett is dedicated towards increasing the awareness about nutrition and performance among young athletes, and is a joint effort of the Norwegian Ski Association, Norwegian Orienteering Association and Norwegian Track and Field Association, backed by the country’s Olympic Development Center.

The recovery snack contributes to making your body more receptive to harder training loads, and it prevents injuries, overtraining and infections. Follow up with a complete meal, preferably within two hours. If you are tired after your workout, make sure you’ve made your snack ahead of time, so that it is ready for your when you are done. Toss it in your gear bag, leave it in the car, have it ready in the fridge once you walk in the door – make it convenient!

Exercise drains the glycogen stores in your muscles, increases protein and fat metabolism and drains your body of salts, minerals and liquid. Be sure to replace lost liquids as soon as possible after your workout, with at least two cups of liquid immediately and then following up with more liquids the next two hours, until rehydration is complete. Hard intensity workouts and strength sessions metabolize protein, so it is important to include some protein in the recovery snack. Protein also stimulates the restoration of glycogen, as well as repairs muscle tears caused by the workout.

Some options for recovery snacks:

• Smoothie with yogurt, banana, juice and fresh/frozen berries (the yogurt provides proteins, carbs and minerals such as calcium, while berries and bananas provide vitamins, carbs and minerals)
• Milkshake (Go easy on full-fat dairy and added sugar – try using 1 or 2% milk and 2-4 tablespoons ice cream)
• Sports bars and meal replacement bars
• Chocolate milk
• Yogurt and cereal/granola
• Toast and a glass of milk
• Sandwich with ham and/or cheese

Recipe: Mango Lassi

What you need:

• ½ cup orange juice
• ¾ cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 1 mango, cubed

What to do:

Puree the mango cubes in a food processor. Add juice and yogurt. You can use different varieties of juice and yogurt – using white grape juice will make it sweeter, as will mango-flavored fruit yogurt. Adding bananas will make your drink consistency thicker; ice cubes will make it colder. Experiment with different ingredients and see what you like!