According to some people, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But for others who manage to squeeze some gym time into their everyday routine, pre- and post-workoutย healthy foodsย can be just as important. It is very important to refuel your body after a hard workout, more so if it lasts longer than 60 minutes. If your workout is strength based, the food you eat can help your muscles rebuild and repair. As far as the best time to eat is concerned, if your workout is short or moderate, you can just wait until the next meal.
On the other hand, if it’s high intensity, strength based, or lasts over two hours, you need glycogen replenishment within the first 30 to 60 minutes after your workout. When youโre working out, your muscles use up their glycogen stores for fuel. Consequently, your muscles end up being partially depleted of glycogen. Some of the proteins in your muscles also get broken down and damaged. After your workout, your body tries to rebuild its glycogen stores and repair and re-grow those muscle proteins. Hence, it is particularly important to eat carbohydrates and protein after your workout.