{"id":724720,"date":"2026-01-27T18:50:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T18:50:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/724720\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T18:50:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T18:50:32","slug":"nutritionists-and-trainers-say-these-are-the-10-best-non-boring-foods-to-eat-after-you-work-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/724720\/","title":{"rendered":"Nutritionists and Trainers Say These Are the 10 Best (Non-Boring) Foods to Eat After You Work Out"},"content":{"rendered":"

From protein shakes<\/a> to chicken and rice, the question of what post-workout foods are good for you is an important one. If the maxim that bodies are made in the kitchen, not the gym, holds true, then arguably, your post-workout<\/a> food is just as vital as the workout itself.<\/p>\n

Naturally, scientists have long debated everything from the ideal post-workout chow<\/a> to the best time to eat it<\/a>. What all of this tends to miss is that if you\u2019re to stand any chance of maintaining a healthy diet<\/a>, your sustenance has to be at least somewhat appealing to the palette.<\/p>\n

So, with apologies to white fish and veggies, this is our ranking of the best post-workout foods. From the less imaginative (but nutritionally sound) options to a bit more adventurous, we chart your recovery meal from nutritious to delicious.<\/p>\n

Chickpea Salad<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cA Mediterranean chickpea salad provides about 15g of protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth post-workout,\u201d says Serena Poon<\/a>, nutritionist and founder of brands Just Add Water & Culinary Alchemy. \u201cAvocado contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, essential for nutrient absorption and reducing inflammation,\u201d she continues. You also get a range of vitamins plus fiber from the veggies. Eat up.<\/p>\n

Excitement factor: 3\/10
Nutrition factor: 9\/10<\/p>\n

Elk<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter a five-hour session of surfing or a three-hour bike ride, I’m ready to eat,\u201d says Laird Hamilton\u2014possibly the best surfer in the history of the sport and founder of Laird Superfood<\/a>. \u201cHigh-quality protein like buffalo or elk with a ton of veggies and healthy fats such as avocado and unfiltered olive oil. If I can help it, I will load my mid or late-lunch meal with proteins and healthy fats.\u201d<\/p>\n

Excitement factor: Depends on your thoughts re: eating Bambi
Nutrition factor: 8\/10<\/p>\n

Breakfast Taco<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cConsuming carbohydrates and protein after your workout allows your muscles to repair, rebuild, and recover properly,\u201d says Ashleigh Kidd, dietitian at F45 Training<\/a>. \u201cYou should aim to have a balanced meal with a focus on protein and fiber within an hour of ending your workout.\u201d Breakfast tacos with black beans, scrambled eggs, and possibly extra egg whites are a winner.<\/p>\n

Excitement factor: 8\/10
Nutrition factor: 8\/10<\/p>\n

Canned Fish<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cRecently, I\u2019ve been particularly drawn to canned mackerel,\u201d says Arina Kuzmina<\/a>, an integrative health coach and nutritionist who tries not to eat anything until 45-60 minutes post-workout. \u201cI know for some it doesn\u2019t sound that delicious, but mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have been studied for their impact on metabolic rate, digestive system, immune system, cardiovascular health, and blood sugar levels. I like to make salads with it by mixing it with seasonal vegetables, some green leaves, and gluten-free bread.\u201d<\/p>\n

Excitement factor: 4\/10
Nutrition factor: 7.5\/10<\/p>\n

Shrimp Stir-Fry<\/strong><\/p>\n

A favorite of students and middle-aged bachelors everywhere, the stir-fry is not without its nutrition credentials. \u201cYou get protein from the prawns, carbohydrates from noodles, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables,\u201d says Jess Hillard, nutritionist at sports nutrition brand Warrior. Take that, mom.<\/p>\n

Excitement factor: 7\/10
Nutrition factor: 3\/10<\/p>\n

Homemade Granola<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter a cardio session, I like to have a bowl of homemade granola, which is full of good fats, high protein, and slow-releasing carbs\u2014a perfect combination,\u201d says Jane Mostowfi, a BANT-registered nutritionist. Mostowfi adds antioxidant-rich berries and gut-protecting Kefir. She also adds a scoop of protein powder, packing each serving with 25g of protein.<\/p>\n

Excitement factor: 5\/10
Nutrition factor: 6\/10<\/p>\n

Cottage Cheese<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMy two go-to post-workout foods need to be high in protein as it\u2019s the building block of muscle tissue and will help my recovery, and have quick-releasing carbs for replenishing lost energy stores,\u201d says Alex Petitt-Ward<\/a>, a PT and online coach. \u201cI reach for cottage cheese as it’s super high in protein; you can get 30g-plus of protein from a 300g tub.\u201d<\/p>\n