Ask The Trainer

I received a great question from Mary F. earlier this month in regards to post-workout nutrition and it seems like a great follow-up to last Wednesday's posting on Meeting Your Protein Requirements.

Check out that posting and don't forget to enter the Chobani Greek Yogurt sweepstakes. Entries will be accepted up to midnight EST, Tuesday, September 15.

Question: Susan, in the Nutrient Timing article you posted in November, you suggest eating a meal of quality protein and carbohydrates 30 minutes following a workout. I don't really feel like going home and cooking after a workout. Any suggestions?

Answer: The quick solution would be a post-workout shake with a banana thrown in for good measure, but as I mentioned many times prior, unless you're on a high calorie diet I prefer that you get your macro-nutrients from whole foods. Some quick and easy meals you can prepare post-workout that would fit the bill include:

• Low-fat/fat-free plain yogurt or cottage cheese with fresh berries
• Can of tuna with whole grain crackers
• Peanut butter with an apple and celery sticks

Keep in mind that you don't need to sit down to a full meal following your workout - so feel free to keep it simple!

Train hard; stay strong.

Peace.

Susan