It is always good for your body if you can eat a proper snack following a strength-training workout. Energy is needed to perform exercise. Your body stores energy in the forms of glycogen (carbohydrates) and triglycerides (fat). The muscle tissue is where the protein stores reside in the form of amino acids. During the workout, your body uses its energy stores to get through the demands of the exercises. Resistance training exercises cause micro tearing in the muscle fibres. In order to replenish the energy stores and to repair and strengthen muscle, it is necessary to have a snack rich in carbohydrates and protein shortly after a workout. Here is one example of how to receive these benefits: Post-Workout Smoothie: 1 cup berries, 1 cup chocolate almond milk, 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt, 1 cup ice. For a little extra protein add one scoop of natural whey protein powder.
Heath Vermette, South Sherbrook Therapy
