Try it – Recovery drinks – are they important?

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Try It

You just completed an intense workout. You’re tired, disgustingly sweaty and realize a shower is in immediate order, before you start offending the dust mites (I hear they have powerful noses). You strip off your clothes (oolala!) and head up to the shower.

WRONG.

STOP.

FAIL.

Before you do ANYTHING after your workout, you need to refuel! I personally like recovery drinks because: 1.) I have some awesome recipes in my arsenal; 2.) they are the fastest way (since they’re LIQUID) to get your body the energy and nutrients it needs.

Now let’s make one thing clear. When I say recovery drinks, I don’t mean pre-packaged unnatural filth.

(perhaps that’s a little harsh — those are probably fine if they are your ONLY option- I recommend this one in a pinch)

But I prefer to make my own drinks using fresh, natural ingredients (and maybe some protein powder for good measure).

Plus, if your primary objective is fat loss, you probably don’t want to guzzle down a lot of pure sugar. Instead, blend some fruit into a smoothie for a natural glycogen boost.

Keep in mind, however, that you’re very unlikely to store calories consumed after intense training as body fat. This is because your muscles are “hungry!” Much like sponges, they soak up all the carbs and protein they can.

Moral of the story – if you are good to your body, it will be good to you, PLEASE make sure to treat it nicely after working it out ;)

I don’t know about you, but my body always thanks me for adding an extra tablespoon of peanut butter ;)

Need some yummy post-workout recipes? Try these:

Green Monster

PBB Shream

Do you make sure you have recovery drinks? Have any good recipes to share? Please leave your links in the comment – I always need new, tasty ideas!

11 Responses to “Try it – Recovery drinks – are they important?”

  1. Tweets that mention Try it – Recovery drinks – are they important? | The Daily Balance -- Topsy.com said:

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by The Daily Balance. The Daily Balance said: Published a new post: Try it – Recovery drinks – are they important? @http://tinyurl.com/3aoxl5h [...]

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  2. Run Sarah said:

    I love my chocolate banana protein smoothie! http://runsarah.wordpress.com/2010/05/07/ready-for-the-weekend/

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  3. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg said:

    I love green monsters as recovery drinks too! Or anytime drinks, really :-)

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  4. Suzanne said:

    Thanks for the tips! I’m gonna look into Muscle Milk Light now. I usually make a protein shake after my weekend workouts, but during the week I workout during my lunchbreak at work, and I need to quickly shower and get back to the office before I can eat something. I’ve been looking for something to refuel with while I get ready to go back to work!

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  5. L said:

    BRAVO! I totally agree with you on the recovery drink! And its key to get in fast carbs and a bit of protein!

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  6. Erica Sara said:

    Love green monsters made with coconut water after a hard workout. And if I don’t have time to make one, I just drink the coconut water- nature’s gatorade :)

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  7. runnerforever said:

    I ALWAYS make sure to get some recovery fuel in, but I usually go with bas rather than drinks.

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  8. Tracey said:

    I really do need to start taking better care of my body after a workout. I’m famous for not stretching after a workout and I also don’t refuel after my workout.

    This is totally on my list of things to improve!

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  9. Ilana said:

    I’ve never been a “recovery drink” person – honestly I’m just learning about fueling and refueling after a workout sesh and I still don’t know all the deets… But I’ve always just *hated* all those things like Gatorade and Powerade, I think they’re unpalatable. I do like that SmartWater stuff with electrolytes, and coconut water. I used to suffer from chronic dehydration and they really helped me!

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  10. Lisa @ bakebikeblog said:

    I generally opt for a green smoothie or a protein shake!

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  11. Rabbit Runner said:

    I always eat right after I workout too!! I notice when I don’t I get super sore and achey, which I don’t love. Green monsters are the best with some protein powder!

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