The old adage, “You are what you eat,” has never been truer than when you select snacks to consume after your workout. What you put into your body when it is ripe and ready for nutrient absorption can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your workouts.  While the type of workout will largely dictate the best snacks for post-exercise enjoyment, there are a few options that benefit the body after nearly any type of physical activity.

Why Eat After Exercise?

Eating after a workout is essential for a number of reasons:

• Prevention of the breakdown of muscles that have already been stressed from exercise
• Promotion of protein synthesis, which improves lean muscle building
• Faster recovery time, which translates to reduced muscle soreness
• Replenishment of glycogen so your body has more energy to draw from

The benefits of eating after a workout are greatly enhanced by making the right nutrient choices to achieve the goals listed above. Protein and carbohydrates can help enhance the effects of your workout, while fats of any kind tend to slow down digestion and the absorption of important nutrients.

The Protein/Carbohydrate Combination

Protein is important after exercise because muscles need this important nutrient for both recovery and growth. Carbohydrates are essential, since they replace energy lost during physical activity. Solid foods take longer to digest, so nutrients don’t get to muscles fast enough. Liquid forms, such as those found in Shakeology protein shakes, work more effectively because they can feed muscles quicker.

Shakeology shakes effectively rid the body of toxins so nutrients can be absorbed faster. The whole food nutrients in the shakes also ensure you get all the necessary ingredients to bring your body back to optimal condition as soon as possible. A Shakeology drink after a workout is the perfect choice for reaping the greatest results from your exercise program.