Do you spend hours deciding on what to eat after a morning run? Running in the morning is quite the challenge for the bed lovers like myself. But those who have the morning running as a part of their daily ritual are totally aware of how it consumes all that energy and strength which would have been used to keep them going through the day.
Running has a million benefits, first being the burning of a crazy amount of calories, though it leaves you exhausted and gasping for air. This everyday workout session is the best but people often think that running and calling it a day is enough. Nope! It ain’t. A good work out has to be followed up with healthy food, and not a lot many people are fully aware of what the body needs to be compensated with after a tiring running session.
List Of Top 8 Foods To Eat After A Morning Run:
Here, we are going to share you with you 8 best foods to eat after a morning run that would pump up your energy and keep you going for the entire day.
1. Salmon:
Now, who doesn’t salivate at the mere mention of some appealing salmon? Nothing provides a better alternative to Salmon when it comes to seafood. Rich in omega – 3 fatty acids and beneficial antioxidants, the fish helps your body recover from the loss of energy really fast. Now you may cook Salmon fillets with fresh vegetables or bake a sweet potato to go with it.
Try using olive oil instead of mustard or sunflower oil while cooking salmon for a healthy heart. Experts recommend eating asparagus, brown rice or whole green pasta with Salmon for breakfast to keep you full for a long time. Another reason to include the palatable seafood in your diet is the fact that it is good for improving the functioning of the brain. It helps prevent cognitive decline.
2. Chicken Breast:
Chicken breasts have very low caloric value and are unarguably one of the healthiest meat options that make a yummy meal to kick-start your day. These can be cooked easily, no matter how amateur a cook you are and taste even more heavenly if cooked with the perfect spices.
Breakfast has always been seen as an important meal and it’s only better if it’s the heaviest one of the day also. Have a good portion of chicken breast with brown rice and this should keep you satiated for longer hours. Chicken breast also contains selenium. Selenium also cuts down the chances of arthritis that many people suffer from at later stages of their lives.
3. Banana:
Carbohydrates have earned itself quite a bad reputation, but those who run swear by it. Every runner or athlete needs to consume a healthy amount of carbs to keep their energy level high. This yellow fruit is one of the healthiest and best sources of carbs we have on your breakfast menu. There are many ways of eating bananas. One way, that I love the most, is to make a yummy smoothie with half a banana, some strawberries, and non-fat milk. If you can get almond or soya milk – nothing like it.
Add a teaspoon of lemon and half a teaspoon of salt to banana slices and eat it like a salad. You can also add chunks of banana to your bowl of morning oats or just take it to have it on the go. The fruit has a unique mix of vitamins, minerals, and carbs that increase the endurance level of athletes.
4. Vegetables:
Wondering what to eat after running in the morning as a vegetarian? The next one on our list of best foods to eat after a morning run had to be green veggies. These are a healthy option not only if you are a vegetarian but also for those who are non-vegetarians and vegans. Nothing can replace the vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fibers that one gets from consuming fresh veggies.
You can boil or bake potato, broccoli, pumpkin, carrots, and beets for a super healthy breakfast. You may also stir-fry your favorite veggies with spinach and add a sprinkle of chia seeds. Vegetables like finely grated carrots can be used to make a sandwich with slices of cucumber and tomato. Daily intake of vegetables will keep your blood pressure in check, improve your bowel movement, and ward off the threat of cancer.
5. Fruit Salad:
For those who have a sweet tooth and are not sure what should you eat after a run, we say we all crave for something sweet every once in a while, but these temptations aren’t good for our health. If you go running every morning, it’s safe to infer you are a fitness freak and stay away from sugar, Don’t worry, nature has gifted you with a truckload of sweetness you can enjoy without feeling guilty.
So when you come back from an exhausting run, enjoy a bowlful of delicious juicy fruits like oranges, blackberries, grapefruit, guava, strawberries, apples, kiwis, and custard apples. These fruits contain tons of vitamin C, fiber, and essential antioxidants that are a must-have for good health.
6. Oatmeal:
Oatmeal is the ideal ‘first food after workout’ for every runner. It has a generous amount of fiber, healthy proteins, and an abundant amount of carbohydrates. The rich fiber content of oats makes one feel fuller for longer times, thereby cutting out chances of binging on unhealthy snacks. Oatmeals also cut down your cholesterol level and don’t add unnecessary fats to the body.
If you find the taste of this product too bland to be had regularly, add dices of your favorite fruits and pieces of dry fruits. Enjoy!
7. Almonds:
Among dry fruits, almonds have proved to be an excellent source of antioxidants. When eaten on a regular basis, they also lower cholesterol. Many runners swear by almonds and we suggest you include these crunchy dry fruits in your morning meal also. They can be sprinkled on pasta, added to milkshakes and consumed as a power breakfast. With its enriching goodness of minerals, it is a must-add in every post workout meal.
8. Greek Yogurt:
Greek yogurt is yet another delicious snack that all runners love. If you are working out for 45 minutes or more, having a cup of Greek yogurt packed with high protein is a must. Have a wholesome and super tasty breakfast by adding some fruits, raisins, and almonds. Greek yogurt has a protein that builds lean muscles and boosts our metabolic rate which results in more calorie burn.
Who said eating healthy cannot be tasty. Now, that you know that the 8 best foods to eat after a morning run are so palatable, we guess, you shall be looking forward to enjoying a healthy start to the day at the breakfast table. Do let us know if you know of any more meal options for joggers in the comments box below.