Disclaimer: While I was provided samples of some of the products below in exchange for a social media post, others were purchased on my own. As with all my posts, all the opinions expressed below are entirely my own.
Welcome back to the blog! I hope you all had an awesome weekend. I took a day trip out to Waco, Texas this Saturday to preview the Ironman Waco 70.3 bike course. What a fantastic day! We had nearly 40 people from Houston, Dallas, and Ft. Worth. The course is truly amazing. Flat, scenic, and fast. I really cannot wait for race day when the streets are filled with athletes and cheering spectators. It’s going to be epic!
This weekend, I was also thinking a lot about nutrition. After my ride was over I had a two hour drive back home and lots of time to spare. My stomach was screaming for food when I realized that I hadn’t packed a lunch for myself. I mean, I had my recovery shake and a few snacks (apple & Kind bar), but I had not packed an actual meal or even my favorite post workout snacks. I don’t know what I was thinking!
As an athlete I’m always thinking about recovery and how I can best prevent soreness and stay fresh in order to go into my next workout ready to work hard. Over the years I’ve developed a few tricks here and there to help me get the best out of my recovery and one of the ways I do that is to snack healthy with protein until I can find time to make a nutritious meal to rebuild and repair post workout.
Today, I’d like to share my favorite high protein snacks with you and share some of my best practices when fueling after a hard workout. It’s important to note that today’s post in no way condones protein supplements or high protein snacks as a replacement for wholesome meals containing natural animal and plant based protein sources. It’s so important that you provide your body with the best sources of protein first and use supplements and snacks sparingly. I find that after long rides and workouts, I’m often tired and have to work hard to prepare meals for myself. I use these snacks to fuel and begin the recovery process while I find the energy to prepare my wholesome meals, and you can too.
So, how much protein do you need?
The general rule of thumb for the average person is 0.8g per kilogram of body weight and may increase up to 1.5g per kilogram of body weight. If you’re truly eating a balanced and healthy diet, that shouldn’t be impossible to have.
But According to SCAN (sports, cardiovascular, and wellness nutrition), a practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the recommendations for athletes are 1.2-1.7g of protein per kilogram of body weight (0.6-0.8 g/lb) and can rise as high as 2g of protein per kilogram of body weight (.9g/lb) for athletes trying to lose fat mass or those would are trying to increase lean body mass.
Timing is everything here. Post workout protein consumption is vital to both recovery and to maximize muscle growth. You’ll want to eat around 20-30 grams of high quality protein after training (within 15-30 minutes) and every 4 hours after. The ultimate goal is to eat a healthy balanced meal within two hours after exercise to truly optimize muscle repair and prevent soreness and increase muscle growth.
High quality protein refers to animal-derived proteins like fish, chicken, beef, milk, eggs, etc. These types of proteins will contain all of the essential amino acids, which are building blocks for proteins in the body. Plant based proteins like beans, grains, quinoa, nuts and seeds are going to be lower in essential amino acids. So, consuming a variety of of plant based protein will help to ensure your consuming all essential amino acids. It’s also important to include some good carbs, roughly 1-2g per kilogram of body weight every hour. Think of carbs like the car that drives the protein into the muscles for use.
So, now that we’ve covered the basics let’s get onto the good part, my favorite snacks! Typically when you think post workout recovery you might think smoothies or low fat chocolate milk, which I LOVE by the way. But for me, I’ve found that I love the snacks below because they are easy to grab and go, and I can eat them without feeling full or sacrificing taste. If I’m being totally honest, I’ll have these snacks before I hop in the shower and then begin cooking a meal soon after. So, think of these as appetizers, post-workout appetizers. LOL
Hummus & Crackers
Chips & Cowboy Caviar
I reached out to DNX to offer you guys a discount code if you’d like to try them out as well! Use code: ASKEW for 25% off plus free shipping!
Protein water, whaaaaat? I know right! I’d seen this drink making the rounds on social media and it really peaked my interest. I love protein shakes from time time, but after a workout my stomach and taste buds can’t always handle them. I also love to drink sparkling water when I want a fizzy treat (like a soda) so, when I heard Fizzique was a sparkling protein water with 20g of protein, I had to get my hands on some.
Fizzique also provided a discount code for you guys! Enter code: Priscilla15 at check out through September 3rd.
As always, I’m here to help where I can. Meal plans are going live next week! I cannot wait! Talk to you guys soon.
