Want to Maximise Your Results After a Late Night Workout?

After a busy day or a late night in the office, just getting yourself to the gym can be a real chore, let alone putting together a post-workout meal when you finally get home. Whilst some may not feel hungry at all others will be undoubtedly be absolutely starving. Whichever camp you fall into, cooking anything complicated is likely out of the question, but you still need to make sure your body has everything it needs to repair and recover overnight.

Our suggestion? Anything that’s fast, filling, full of protein and carbs, but easy to digest before bed. Here are some of our favourite foods, paired with tasty protein-packed recipes - so no ready meal is needed!

 

Oats

Apple Pie Protein Oats | Neat Nutrition. Active Nutrition, Reimagined For You.

Think oats are just for breakfast? Think again. A bowl of oatmeal is ideal post-workout, whatever time of the day. The complex carbohydrates will help you to repair muscle tissue tears you’ve created during your workout. It’s also a source of melatonin which helps to regulate your sleep cycles, meaning it can be great for those who find it difficult to fall asleep. Make sure to add a sachet of protein to give your muscles what it needs.

Recipe: Apple Pie Oats

 

Leafy Greens… or Dark Chocolate!

Dark Choc Sea Salt Protein Balls | Neat Nutrition. Active Nutrition, Reimagined For You.

Magnesium is known as a natural sleep-promoting aid, so instead of popping pills, try some foods that are naturally high in magnesium. 1 cup of cooked spinach packs 157mg (39% RDI), or dark chocolate contains 114mg per 50g. If you don’t fancy a plate of greens at 10pm, finish off your meal with a few squares of dark chocolate and a chamomile tea – exactly what you need to calm your body and get it ready for bed.

Recipe: Dark Chocolate Protein Balls

 

Dairy

Pic's PB Smoothie Recipe | Neat Nutrition. Active Nutrition, Reimagined For You.

Slow-releasing protein (otherwise known as casein) gives your body a steady release of nutrients, ideal for endurance athletes or when taken before bed to keep your body nourished overnight. For those who still want to reap the benefits of a slow-releasing supplement, try mixing a sachet of Whey Protein with 400ml of milk (ideally semi-skimmed or full fat). In its natural form cow’s milk is 80% casein, so it’s an ideal choice to slow down the digestion of your whey-based shake.

You could even throw in some nut butter too, as the healthy fats, protein, and dietary fibre will also help to slow down absorption; perfect for those who prefer something light before going to bed.

Recipe: Pic's Peanut Butter Protein Shake

 

Eggs

Easy Breezy Protein Pancakes | Neat Nutrition. Active Nutrition, Reimagined For You.

Not many dinners can be knocked up quicker than an omelette. Throw in some veggies, pair with rice or sweet potato and you’ve got everything you need post workout. They’re a great source of protein, to prevent your muscles from breaking down post-workout. The healthy fats should keep you full too; because no-one wants to wake up ravenous in the middle of the night. Not in the mood for savoury food? Chuck them into a batch of protein pancakes instead – job done.  

Recipe: Easy Breezy Protein Pancakes

  

A Note on Electrolytes

Whatever you choose to refuel with, coconut water (or just adding a touch of sea salt into your water), is a great idea to get some quick electrolytes in. Why? Going to sleep soon after your workout will double your dehydration, so rebalancing your salt levels will help you to avoid waking up feeling depleted.

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