5 post-workout eating mistakes to avoid

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There's nothing more rewarding than a meal after a workout. If you're aiming to lose weight, you need meals that are nutritious and won't sabotage your workout or weight loss plan. In fact, there are some things you might be doing wrong when it comes to your post-workout routine. Experts weigh in on the eating habits that are most likely sabotaging your exercise regimen.

1. You load up with sports drinks to rehydrate. That's a bad idea. Despite marketing claims that sports drinks can replenish electrolytes (and they can), these beverages contain sugar and other added ingredients that may not be great for your body. POP Sugar reports that sports drinks may have extra calories that are unnecessary for you. If you're not an athlete, water will do the trick. It's natural and contains no calories, which is the best option for you.

According to Women's Health, Nancy Clark, R.D., a sports nutritionist in private practice outside Boston and author of Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook, recommends, "Use your thirst as a guide; drink as much water as you need to feel hydrated again, and don't try to force yourself to drink a set amount."

2. You consume large amounts of protein. Protein after a workout is definitely a must, but it must be paired with complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, so your body gets enough energy to get that protein going in repairing your muscles.

Clark said, "Protein is a great recovery nutrient that helps rebuild muscle torn during a workout, but your body can only use so much."

3. You reward yourself a little too generously. Don't go overboard and reward yourself with a frappucino or cake following a rigorous workout, or else you're setting yourself back and negating the number of calories you just lost (and probably even more). Don't go to the bar, either, as alcohol will only dehydrate you, leaving your body without the much-needed water to repair your muscles.

4. You starve yourself. As mentioned earlier, a meal with lots of protein and complex carbs are great for rebuilding muscle. So don't skip meals or wait too long before eating. By the time you're done working out, Clark said, "Your energy-depleted body is gasping for calories." That's why you should eat within 30 minutes of completing your workout to keep blood sugar levels in the regular range.

5. You skimp on magnesium-rich foods such as spinach. Shape reports that nearly 50 percent of Americans don't get enough magnesium, which the body requires for muscle function and recovery. Go for spinach, nuts, and beans for your post-workout meals to get the magnesium your body needs to recover.

 There's nothing more rewarding than a meal after a workout. If you're aiming to lose weight, you need meals that are nutritious and won't sabotage your workout or weight loss plan. In fact, there are some things you might be doing wrong when it comes to your post-workout routine. Experts weigh in on the eating habits that are most likely sabotaging your exercise regimen.

1. You load up with sports drinks to rehydrate. That's a bad idea. Despite marketing claims that sports drinks can replenish electrolytes (and they can), these beverages contain sugar and other added ingredients that may not be great for your body. POP Sugar reports that sports drinks may have extra calories that are unnecessary for you. If you're not an athlete, water will do the trick. It's natural and contains no calories, which is the best option for you.

According to Women's Health, Nancy Clark, R.D., a sports nutritionist in private practice outside Boston and author of Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook, recommends, "Use your thirst as a guide; drink as much water as you need to feel hydrated again, and don't try to force yourself to drink a set amount."

2. You consume large amounts of protein. Protein after a workout is definitely a must, but it must be paired with complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, so your body gets enough energy to get that protein going in repairing your muscles.

Clark said, "Protein is a great recovery nutrient that helps rebuild muscle torn during a workout, but your body can only use so much."

3. You reward yourself a little too generously. Don't go overboard and reward yourself with a frappucino or cake following a rigorous workout, or else you're setting yourself back and negating the number of calories you just lost (and probably even more). Don't go to the bar, either, as alcohol will only dehydrate you, leaving your body without the much-needed water to repair your muscles.

4. You starve yourself. As mentioned earlier, a meal with lots of protein and complex carbs are great for rebuilding muscle. So don't skip meals or wait too long before eating. By the time you're done working out, Clark said, "Your energy-depleted body is gasping for calories." That's why you should eat within 30 minutes of completing your workout to keep blood sugar levels in the regular range.

5. You skimp on magnesium-rich foods such as spinach. Shape reports that nearly 50 percent of Americans don't get enough magnesium, which the body requires for muscle function and recovery. Go for spinach, nuts, and beans for your post-workout meals to get the magnesium your body needs to recover.