Power Up Like a Pro! 28 Recipes for Smart Post-Workout Snacking (2024)

Here’s the scoop: Post-workout snacking can increase metabolism and help you burn more calories. Yes, it’s true… when you snack smart, that is. After a tough gym session, your body needs to refuel. Wait too long, and you’ll find yourself raiding a snack machine or pulling into the nearest fast-food drive thru. Don’t put yourself between a rock and a very high-calorie hard place. Make these 28 nutrient-rich snacks and pack them in your gym bag for the perfect post-workout power-up!

1. Protein Snack Bites: Don’t be a confused post-workout snacker. We’ve got two words for ya: protein and carbs. These delicious bites have both. That’s all you need to know! (via Andy’s Market)

2. Sweet and Spicy Nuts: Nuts are rich in fats. Uh, the good kind. Loaded with heart-healthy fats, nuts are also a great way to boost your intake of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and vitamin E. (via Pomelo)

3. Homemade “Kind” Breakfast Bars: You can throw together this Kind-bar knockoff in 15 minutes tops. Even better, use whatever dried fruits and nuts you have on hand. Or cater to your cravings! (via Foolproof Living)

4. Healthy Cookie Dough Bars: Did someone say “healthy cookie dough?” These bars are bursting with wholesome goodies: nuts, dates, peanut butter, and even a bit of dark chocolate. Count us in! (via Untrained Housewife)

5. Peanut Butter Protein Snack Mix: The low-cal popcorn and pretzel pieces in this sweet-‘n’-salty hybrid means you can go ahead and chow down a few extra handfuls. (via 24 Carrot Live)

6. Crispy “Popcorn” Edamame: We love us some crunchy munchies. If you’re often tempted by potato chips or other crunchy snacks, try this healthy substitution. (via Thyme Bombe)

8. Frozen Nutty Banana Nibblers: These banana bites have everything you need to get your body into recovery mode. (via Fitsugar)

9. Baked Spiced Chickpeas: Yes, chickpeas. Yum. For real. Chickpeas are tossed with smoky spices and baked ’til crunchy. Think healthy CornNuts. (via Fat Girl Trapped in a Skinny Body)

10. Homemade Fruit Rollups: The strawberries in your fridge are just waiting to be turned into sweet rollups. In fact, strawberries are the only ingredient you need. Fitness experts claim that antioxidants can enhance post-workout recovery. Get your fix with these berry rollups (forget supplements!)… aaaaand… you’re not listening anymore, are you? Enjoy. (via Cincy Shopper)

11. Skinny Pumpkin Energy Bites: Do you have an insatiable sweet tooth? Use these sweet pumpkin energy bites as motivation to reach your fitness goals! (via Shugary Sweets)

12. Chocolate Cherry Almond Krispy Treats: This healthy no-bake snack is virtually a Rice Krispie treat on steroids. Chocolatey, whole-wheat bars are bursting with cherry flavor and topped off with a tart pomegranate drizzle. If snacks this good are wrong, we don’t want to be right. (via Desserts with Benefits)

13. The Ultimate Banana Nut Protein Muffin: Finally, a healthy muffin. It’s sugar free, low calorie, and packed with protein and wholesome ingredients. Yum. (via 12 Minute Athlete)

14. Chocolate Almond Protein Bars: Hearty ingredients like raw almonds and rolled oats combine with protein powder and maple syrup to create these healthy bars. (via Fitsugar)

15. Clean Blueberry Protein Muffins: Prepare yourself. Your gym buddy will be eyeing these muffins accusingly. Never mind, you’ve got a line: Guilt free. That’s right. These protein-packed muffins have absolutely no butter, flour, or sugar. Epic. (via Eat Yourself Skinny)

16. No-Bake Chewy Fiber One Protein Cookies: The thought of these tasty protein cookies waiting in your gym bag might be just the thing to push you through a grueling workout. Seriously, they’re a game changer. (via Betty Crocker)

17. Trail Mix Energy Bites: Trail mix collides with honey and peanut butter, and bam! Energy bite explosion! To save time, opt to press the mixture into a baking dish and create bars rather than forming individual balls. (via Gimme Some Oven)

18. Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) Eight Ways: There’s a million ways to enjoy the tasty pumpkin seed, and her are eight ideas to get you started. From Jamaican Jerk to Latte, there’s a flavor for every taste bud. (via Rachel Cooks)

19. Easy Homemade Jerky: Some days, that skinny-snack mix just ain’t cuttin’ it. Lucky for you, making homemade jerky is easier than you think. (via Bare Root)

20. DIY Larabars: This copycat tastes just like a cherry-pie Larabar. You love them too? High fives all around. What a find! (via Donuts, Dresses, and Dirt)

21. Skinny Banana Cookies: So tasty, you’ll be wondering if its dessert. Here’s where portion control becomes serious business. They’re that good. (via Six Sisters’ Stuff)

22. Healthy, Soft, and Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Surprise! We’ve even found a healthy cookie for you. Quick tip: making these sweeties may require some extra planning unless your pantry is usually stocked with ingredients like peanut flour and granulated erythritol. (via Desserts with Benefits)

23. Homemade Clif Bars: Now you can recreate your favorite energy bars. In minutes. With simple ingredients. #efficiency (via Cookies and Cups)

24. Banana Nut Bread Granola Bars: Go bananas for banana-nut-bread bars. They taste just as good as the loaf, but offer even more nutritional benefits. (via Cupcakes and Kale Chips)

25. Simple Homemade Energy Snack Bar: Simple is an understatement here. Six ingredients and two minutes are all you need to make these snack bars. (via Call Me PMC)

26. Vibrant Pistachio Lime Crunch Bars: Cue bright colors and bold flavors. When you feel the need to try a new healthy snack, these vibrant pistachio-lime crunch bars will fit the bill. (via Spa Bettie)

27. Spiced Pumpkin Seed and Cashew Crunch: Facing a time crunch? Nuts are the perfect grab ‘n’ go. Try this pumped-up version! (via Epicurious)

28. Healthy Travel Mix: This mix is dangerously good; dangerous because it’s delicious. And also because the reason we’re in the gym to begin with has something to do with a few too many snacks. Oopsie. (via With Style and Grace)

Let’s have a peek inside your gym bag! Tell us: What are your go-to post-workout snacks?

Bethany Kosten

Bethany Kosten is a freelance editor at Brit + Co. and an information junkie who is passionate about creating and consuming clever content. Being an idea enthusiast makes her unique, but also — and this is critical — awesome. Side note: Bethany is a serial chips and salsa eater. (Seriously, hide them.)

Power Up Like a Pro! 28 Recipes for Smart Post-Workout Snacking (2024)

FAQs

What is the best post-workout snack? ›

Sample post-workout meals and snacks
  • pita and hummus.
  • rice crackers and peanut butter.
  • whole-grain toast and almond butter.
  • cereal with dairy or soy milk.
  • Greek yogurt, berries, and granola.
  • protein shake and banana.
  • quinoa bowl with sweet potatoes, berries, and pecans.
  • whole grain crackers with string cheese and fruit.

Which of the following would be a good post-workout snack? ›

Here are a few ideas for protein-carbohydrate paired post-workout snacks:
  • Greek yogurt bowl topped with granola and berries.
  • Whole grain toast varieties: turkey+ hummus, egg+ avocado, cheese+ tomato, nut butter+ hemp seeds+ fruit slices.
  • English muffin personal pizzas.

What is a good pre workout snack for energy? ›

Best pre-workout snacks to fuel your exercise
SnackCarbohydratesProtein
Oatmeal with fruit such as apple slices56 grams19.3 grams
Low-fat yogurt with berries, such as blueberries26 grams9.6 grams
Whole-grain crackers with cheese19 grams7 grams
Fruit and vegetable smoothie31 grams2.6 grams
1 more row
Oct 24, 2022

What are protein gym snacks? ›

Healthy High Protein Snacks That Are Low in Calories
  • 2% Cottage Cheese. Calories: 184 per cup. ...
  • Turkey Sticks. Calories: 60 calories per stick. ...
  • Trail Mix. Calories: 259 calories. ...
  • Frozen Greek Yogurt Bark. ...
  • Egg, Cheese, and Veggie Muffins. ...
  • Roasted Edamame. ...
  • Turkey and Swiss Roll-Ups. ...
  • Canned Salmon on Almond Flour Crackers.
Jun 13, 2023

What are 5 examples of foods are best for post-workout? ›

Good post-workout food choices include:
  • Yogurt and fruit.
  • Peanut butter sandwich.
  • Low-fat chocolate milk and pretzels.
  • Post-workout recovery smoothie.
  • Turkey on whole-grain bread with vegetables.
Dec 21, 2023

What junk food can I eat after workout? ›

Depending on the size and method of preparation, a burger can be one of the best fast foods after a workout. The protein and carbohydrates found in burgers will vary. You could get 16 grams to 50 grams of protein from a single patty depending on its size. The carb content will be determined by the bun and condiments.

What is a good high protein snack after workout? ›

Sliced banana and peanut butter. Rice cakes with cottage cheese and honey. Greek yogurt and strawberries.

What is a savoury post-workout snack? ›

One of the best post-workout snacks is a trio of Turkey, cheese, and apple. "Turkey and cheese provide the protein, while the apple provides energy and replenishes glycogen stores," nutritionist at Real Nutrition NYC Amy Shapiro said.

What is a savory snack after a workout? ›

  • 8 Salty Snacks for Cyclists.
  • Smoothies. ...
  • Trail Mix. ...
  • Crackers. ...
  • Popcorn. ...
  • Edamame. ...
  • Salted Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. ...
  • Hummus and Veggie Sandwich.
Dec 21, 2023

What is a good energy snack? ›

Jump Start Snacks
  • Nuts. In addition to energy-extending protein and fiber, nuts are full of additional nutrients to refuel your electrolyte supply. ...
  • Fruit. Soothe your sweet tooth while also boosting energy with the complex healthy carbs in fruit. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Dairy. ...
  • Edamame. ...
  • Whole Grains. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Lentils.

Is a banana a good pre-workout snack? ›

The bottom line. Bananas are rich in nutrients like carbs and potassium, both of which are important for exercise performance and muscle growth. They're also easy to digest and can slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, making bananas a great snack option before your next workout.

What is an easy pre-workout snack? ›

5 Snacks to Eat Before a Workout
  • 2-3 Hours Before a Workout.
  • Whole-Grain Crackers and a Glass of Nonfat Milk. Carbohydrates are your muscles' favorite energy source. ...
  • Ricotta Cheese on Cinnamon Raisin Toast. ...
  • Instant Oatmeal. ...
  • A Fruit Smoothie. ...
  • A Piece of Fresh Fruit.

What snack is very high in protein? ›

Best High-Protein Snacks, Recommended By Experts
  • Greek Yogurt. Plain, nonfat Greek yogurt is a versatile high-protein snack, with 156 grams containing about 16 grams of protein. ...
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs. ...
  • Hard Cheeses. ...
  • Edamame. ...
  • Cottage Cheese. ...
  • Jerky. ...
  • Tuna. ...
  • Roasted Chickpeas.
Oct 25, 2023

What are easy high-protein pre-workout snacks? ›

Good pre-workout protein sources may include Greek yogurt, protein powder, egg whites, nuts and seeds, nut butter, or leftover grilled chicken from last night's dinner.

What is the best food to eat after a workout to build muscle? ›

Eggs deliver the highest quality protein, making them one of the best foods to eat after a sweat session. Scramble up two large eggs and you'll get 13 grams of protein. While you're at it, toss in a handful of chopped onions, peppers and mushrooms for extra vitamins and phytonutrients to speed muscle repair.

What food helps muscle recovery? ›

Best Foods for Muscle Recovery
  • Taro Root. Taro root can be a good muscle recovery food option. ...
  • Spinach. Spinach, as well as other cruciferous vegetables, are jam-packed with nutrients that help stave off inflammation. ...
  • Blueberries or Raspberries. ...
  • Chia Seeds. ...
  • Green Tea Extract. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Chocolate Milk. ...
  • Oatmeal.
Jan 8, 2024

Can I skip post-workout snack? ›

Eating after a workout will provide the energy necessary for metabolic processes to trigger muscle repair. Failing to eat at this time will, therefore, hinder muscle repair and leave the muscles achier. Protein-rich foods are helpful in supporting muscle recovery.

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