It's Not Just Exercise! What You Eat After Cardio Is Key to Burning Fat

What to Eat After Cardio for Fat Loss

By now, you know that cardio can be an essential part of a weight-loss regimen – but what should you eat after a cardio workout to help with fat loss? With the right nutrition plan, your post-cardio snack or meal can help get you closer to your fat-loss goals. Read on for tips and tricks on what to eat after cardio for fat loss.

When it comes to post-workout nutrition, the general rule is that you want to get in some quick carbs and proteins within 30 minutes after exercising. Carbs are important because they provide energy and help replenish glycogen stores depleted during exercise. Protein's role is twofold: It helps repair muscle tears from working out, as well as provides amino acids and other nutrients that are essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, which helps with fat burning.

One way to ensure you're getting both carbs and proteins soon after exercising is through a protein shake or smoothie—which you can grab on the go if need be. Here are a few delicious concoctions that combine both:

• A peanut butter banana smoothie made with low-fat milk or almond milk, one banana, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, ¼ cup of frozen berries, 1 scoop of protein powder and ice cubes;

• A berry almond smoothie with unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk), ½ cup frozen berries (like raspberries), 1 scoop of plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of flaxseed oil;

• An orange strawberry shake consisting of non-fat vanilla ice cream blended together with 1 sliced orange (skin removed), 2 tablespoons of orange juice concentrate (unsweetened) and six strawberries.

In addition to giving your body the right balance of nutrients post-workout, it's also important to pay attention to portion size when trying to lose weight through exercise—which means avoiding large meals full of empty calories like processed convenience foods such as chips or candy bars. Instead focus on healthy snacks high in natural carbohydrates like fruits like apples or bananas paired with some lean proteins like boiled eggs or nuts. You could even go for a light dinner like grilled chicken breast served over black beans and brown rice—just make sure whatever you choose doesn't exceed 500 calories total per meal.

It's also worth noting that hydration is key when lifting weights or running longer distances during cardio workouts. To avoid dehydration post-workout—as well as subsequent fatigue—be sure to drink at least 16 ounces (two cups) of cold water directly after finishing up at the gym or going for a run/jog/bike ride outdoors. For the ultimate electrolyte boost that can fortify your workout results try adding some no-sugar sports drinks into your diet too!

Overall eating the right amount of nutritious foods post-cardio is vital if you want meaningful results from all those hours spent sweating it out at the gym or outside running roads miles every day! Keeping a balanced mix between proteins and carbs will make all the difference in helping reach long term goals while simultaneously providing energy so we don't feel sluggish throughout our workouts days! So take charge today—planning out meal ideas ahead will help keep us motivated while completing our daily fitness routines!