Muscle recovery is an integral part of any workout routine. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out, or a seasoned athlete, your muscles need time to repair and grow after an intense workout. There are many different ways to help your muscles recover, including rest, stretching, foam rolling, and massage. Another important part of muscle recovery is nutrition. What you eat after a workout can have a big impact on how quickly your muscles recover. That’s why post-workout recovery shakes and supplements are so helpful. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about post-workout shakes and supplements, including the benefits, the best ingredients, and how to make your shakes at home.
Benefits Of Post Workout Recovery Shakes And Supplements
There are many benefits to drinking a post-workout shake or taking supplements. They help your body to:
Rebuild And Repair Muscles
When you work out you create tiny tears in your muscle fibers. For your muscles to grow stronger, these tears need to be repaired.
Protein is essential for muscle repair, and it’s one of the most important nutrients for athletes (18). A post-workout shake or supplement can help you to get the protein your body needs to rebuild and repair muscles.
Reduce Muscle Soreness
Muscle soreness is caused by inflammation, and it can make it difficult to work out the following day (16).
Many ingredients can help reduce inflammation, including omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and ginger (7) (19). These ingredients can be found in many post-workout recovery shakes and supplements.
Increase Muscle Growth
For your muscles to grow, you need to exercise regularly and eat a diet that is high in protein.
However, having a post-workout supplement can give you even more protein, which can help increase muscle growth (11).
Replenish Energy Stores
Exercise can drain your energy stores, as such it’s important to replenish them after a workout.
A post-workout shake or supplement can help to restore your energy levels so that you can continue to exercise regularly.
Read More: Muscle Recovery Time: Here’s How Long You Should Rest Between Workouts
Best Ingredients For Post Workout Recovery Shakes
Many different ingredients can be used in post-workout shakes and supplements. The best ingredients for recovery are those that contain protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes.
Protein
As we mentioned earlier, protein is essential for muscle repair. It’s also important for muscle growth (11).
The best sources of protein for post-workout shakes are whey protein and casein protein. Whey protein is a fast-acting protein that is absorbed quickly by the body. Casein protein is a slow-acting protein that takes longer to digest (20).
Protein powders made from whey and casein are not the only ingredient options for post-workout shakes. You can also use protein-rich foods, such as Greek yogurt, whole milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are important for replenishing energy stores and for restoring glycogen levels. Glycogen is a type of sugar that is stored in the muscles and is used for energy (13).
The best sources of carbohydrates for post-workout shakes are simple carbohydrates, such as honey, agave nectar, or fruit juice. You may also use complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, quinoa, or oats.
If you tend to let yourself off the hook, raise the white flag when things get tougher than you expected, send yourself on an unconscious binge-eating trip – BetterMe app is here to help you leave all of these sabotaging habits in the past!
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals that are found in the body, and they are essential for hydration. They help to regulate fluid balance and muscle function (12).
The best source of electrolytes is coconut water. Coconut water contains potassium, magnesium, and sodium, all of which are electrolytes that are lost during exercise (8).
Inflammation-Reducing Ingredients
Inflammation can cause muscle soreness, and many ingredients can help to reduce it.
Some of the best anti-inflammatory ingredients for post-workout shakes are:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds (19).
- Turmeric: A spice that contains curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound (9).
- Ginger: A root that has been shown to reduce inflammation (5).
- Berries: Rich in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation (6).
- Leafy green vegetables: Also rich in antioxidants (14).
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are an important part of a balanced diet, and they can also be beneficial for post-workout recovery (10).
Healthy fats help to reduce inflammation, and they can also help to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates. This is important because it helps to keep blood sugar levels stable (4).
Some good sources of healthy fats for post-workout shakes are:
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds
- Coconut milk
- Olive oil
Post Workout Recovery Shake Recipes
These recipes all contain ingredients that are beneficial for post-workout recovery.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Recovery Shake (3)
This shake contains whey protein, which is a fast-acting protein that is absorbed quickly by the body. It also contains simple carbohydrates, which are easily absorbed and helps replenish energy stores.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 banana
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Read More: What To Do On Rest Days: 5 Best Ways To Stimulate Active Recovery
Berry Orange Smoothie (2)
Vegans with a sweet tooth, looking for a filling post-workout snack will love this recipe. It contains plant-based protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium banana, frozen
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1 medium orange, peeled and chopped into pieces
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Green Machine (2)
This recipe is perfect for people who want to get their greens in after a workout. It contains leafy green vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, and it also has spirulina which is a type of algae that is high in protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut water
- ½ cup baby spinach
- 1 medium banana, frozen
- ¾ cup frozen mango, diced
- 1 tsp spirulina
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Chocolate Berry Protein Smoothie (1)
Chocolate lovers will be attracted to this recipe, which contains cocoa powder and berries, which are rich in antioxidants and help to reduce inflammation.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup frozen strawberries
- ½ cup frozen wild blueberries
- ½ cup frozen sliced banana
- ¾ cup 2 percent fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ tablespoons almond butter
- 1 ½ teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup water
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
BetterMe app is a foolproof way to go from zero to a weight loss hero in a safe and sustainable way! What are you waiting for? Start transforming your body now!
Spinach Superfood Smoothie (3)
Spinach is considered a superfood because it’s packed with nutrients. This recipe also contains bananas, which are a good source of potassium, and whole milk for that protein boost.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop of protein powder
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
- 6 oz milk or milk alternative
- ¼ banana, chopped
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- Ice to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Best Time To Drink A Post-Workout Shake Or Supplement
The best time to drink a post-workout shake or supplement is within 30 minutes of finishing your workout. This is because your muscles are most receptive to nutrients immediately after exercise.
However, if you are unable to drink a shake or take a supplement within 30 minutes of finishing your workout, don’t worry. You will still benefit from the nutrients, though they may not be absorbed as quickly.
What To Consider When Buying Post-Workout Shakes And Supplements
When you’re buying post-workout shakes and supplements, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Your Goals
Your fitness goals are an important factor to consider when choosing a post-workout shake or supplement.
Different ingredients will have different effects on the body, so it’s important to choose a shake or supplement that contains ingredients that will help you to reach your goals.
For example, if you are trying to build muscle, you will want a shake or supplement that is high in protein. If you are trying to lose weight, you will want a shake or supplement that is low in calories.
Additives
You want the purest, most natural product possible, so make sure to check the label for any artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.
You should also avoid products that contain fillers, such as maltodextrin or dextrose (15).
Your Diet
Your diet is also an important factor to consider when choosing a post-workout shake or supplement. If you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you will want to make sure that the shake or supplement you choose is free of animal products.
As we mentioned earlier, whey and casein are the two most popular types of protein for post-workout shakes and supplements. Both of these proteins are derived from milk, so they are not vegan-friendly.
If you’re vegan, there are plant-based protein powders available that are made from ingredients like pea protein, rice protein, and hemp protein (17).
If you have any allergies, it’s important to check the ingredients list of the shake or supplement to make sure that it doesn’t contain any allergens.
Form
Supplements come in many forms including powders, capsules, tablets, and bars.
Powders are the most popular form of post-workout supplements because they are easy to mix with other ingredients, and they are generally less expensive than other forms.
Capsules and tablets are a convenient option if you are on the go, and they are often easier to take than powders.
Bars are a good option if you are looking for a meal replacement or snack.
Your Budget
Your budget is another important factor to consider when choosing a post-workout shake or supplement. There are many different options available, and they all vary in price.
It’s important to find a shake or supplement that fits into your budget. However, don’t sacrifice quality for the price. There are many high-quality options available that won’t break the bank.
The Bottom Line
There are many different post-workout shakes and supplements available, and it can be overwhelming to try to choose the right one.
However, by considering your fitness goals, diet, and budget, you can narrow down your options and find the best shake or supplement for you.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
SOURCES:
- 4 Muscle Recovery Smoothies Perfect for Post-Workout – Aaptiv (n.d., haaptiv.com)
- 4 Post-Workout Smoothies Packed With Protein (2016, kaylaitsines.com)
- 7 Tasty Post Workout Smoothies | Gainful (2020, gainful.com)
- A healthy approach to dietary fats: understanding the science and taking action to reduce consumer confusion (2014, biomedcentral.com)
- Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and Physical Activity: Review of Current Evidence (2013, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Berries: anti-inflammatory effects in humans (2014, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Chronic diseases, inflammation, and spices: how are they linked? (2018, biomedcentral.com)
- Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration and physical performance in exercise-trained men (2012, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health (2017, mdpi.com)
- Dietary Fat and Sports Nutrition: A Primer (2004, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit (2019, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Electrolytes (2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Fundamentals of glycogen metabolism for coaches and athletes (2018, academic.oup.com)
- Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables (academic.oup.com)
- Maltodextrin, Modern Stressor of the Intestinal Environment (2019, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Myalgia and Fatigue (2010, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Plant Proteins: Assessing Their Nutritional Quality and Effects on Health and Physical Function (2020, mdpi.com)
- Protein for exercise and recovery (2009, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on the Inflammatory Response to eccentric strength exercise (2011, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- The Effects of Pre- and Post-Exercise Whey vs. Casein Protein Consumption on Body Composition and Performance Measures in Collegiate Female Athletes (2013, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)