Workouts take away a lot of energy from the body, making you feel tired and hazy, sometimes. Hence, you need all the nutrition in the body to refuel it. And if you don’t eat proper meals after pumping that iron, it could lead to disastrous results. Read here to know more.
A good workout makes you feel elated. And why not? Exercise is known to boost mood and release happy hormones. But to remain happy, you need to eat and nourish the body. Skipping post-workout meals can make you feel more tired and hazy.
Those who suffer from health conditions like diabetes can also get disoriented from low blood sugar.
Doctors recommend eating at least 30 minutes post working out to replenish and refill the body, especially with carbs and proteins to repair the damage done to the muscles. Also, not eating can seriously hamper your body’s goals since there are no calories to burn.
Here is what happens to the body when you don’t eat enough after exercising:
- Breakdown of the muscle: During intense workouts, there is a lot of muscle wear-and-tear. Not consuming protein and carbohydrates can hamper the repair.
- Poor weight management: Many people exercise to lose weight and maintain it. Weight loss won’t happen until there is a calorie deficit.
- Slowed down performance: Future performance might be affected drastically by skipping meals. If muscles are sore, it may lead to inflammation and longer recovery.
Tips to refuel
- Eat carbs and proteins: Within 30 minutes of finishing your workout, grab light snacks or meals that are packed with proteins and carbohydrates like nuts and egg whites.
- Fill in with electrolytes: Your body needs important salts that get drained out with sweat to be recharged. After concluding your training, have sports drinks or homemade energy drinks to top up and feel good.
- Drink water: It Is important to hydrate and so drink lots of water after concluding your exercise.
