The Best Post-Workout Snacks When You're on the Go

Source: The Best Post-Workout Snacks When You're on the Go

It's not always possible to go home after the gym to cook ahealthy post-workout meal. But it's really important to eat shortly after you exercise; your metabolic rate is up and your body needs the right kind of food to restore and repair itself. For those instances, throw one of these grab-and-go post-workout snacks in your gym bag or pick one up from the store. All of these snacks are easy to find and need little preparation to eat. They're also full of the right kind of nutrients to maximize the effort you just sweated out!

• Edamame: Whether you buy it already shelled or take a few minutes to prepare it yourself, there's no denying that edamame is a good snack to have on hand. Tasty cold or hot, throw some in a bag to enjoy after your next gym session. A half-cup of boiled edamame provides eight grams of carbs (plus four of fiber) and eight grams of protein, but is only 90 calories.
• Trail Mix: Having a good trail mix on hand is an easy way to give yourself a quick boost of protein, carbs, fiber, and vitamins. Find a healthy mix at the store, or use our recipe suggestions to make your own trail mixat home.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: What's great about taking a hard-boiled egg with you to the gym is that it comes in its own package — all you have to do is crack and peel! What you're left with is a snack that has six grams of protein and is under 100 calories.
• Greek Yogurt: Before you head out to exercise, throw a six-ounce container of Greek yogurt in your bag; you'll be glad you did! Greek yogurt is packed with protein and calcium — just what your sore muscles need. (For those extra-hard workouts that deserve an extra carb boost, add some fruit, granola, or nuts to your yogurt.)

More from FitSugar: Get Fruity: Snacks Under 200 Calories

• Nut Butter With Fruit: Portion your own nut butter in a small to-go container or grab a single-serving pack from Justin's Nut Butter and you've got yourself the beginnings of a great post-workout snack. Add to that a piece of fresh fruit for a good balance of carbs, protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Chocolate Milk or Protein Shakes: When you're really on the go, you probably don't have time to fuss with packaging or utensils. In those instances, drink your post-workout snack. Carry a pre-made protein shake with you, or even chocolate milk will do. Either drink will help promote muscle growth and weight lossafter your workout.
• Beef Jerky: Convenience-store beef jerky might not be your first choice for a healthy snack, but keep in mind that it's low in fat and a great source of protein. If that still doesn't sell you on it, skip the convenience store altogether and grab a pack at your nearest health food store. These healthier varieties are made using organic, grass-fed meat, but without the use of preservatives.
• String Cheese and Crackers: While it's no gourmet cheese plate, string cheese and whole wheat crackers make for a sophisticated post-workout snack when you're on the move. The cheese provides a good punch of protein and calcium, and the crackers deliver a nice hit of complex carbs.