5 Latin Post-Workout Snacks

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Need to recover quickly from an exhausting workout? Here are five snacks to help rebuild muscle and tissue.

1.    Peanut butter

Bodybuilders turn to peanut butter as a healthy and practical way of getting the fuel needed for a workout. The Body Building magazine says peanut butter is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, making it healthy for the heart and does not get stored as fat in the body.

Medjool dates, according to Prevention, is rich in fiber. This helps in controlling your blood sugar and energy levels, preventing any spikes from occurring.

Mix a teaspoon of peanut butter with a few pieces of Medjool dates and you're all set. Place them in a zip lock bag or eat the snack before starting your workout.

You can also mix a quarter of a cup of peanut butter with 1 cup of cooked rice and 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Place in an 8x8 inch container and leave in a fridge to harden.

Cut into bars and you have enough for three 45-minute workouts.

2.    1/3 cup quinoa, 2 cups raw veggies, 3 ounces cooked chicken

If you are planning to do high-intensity interval training, Shape says the combination of quinoa, raw vegetables, and chicken is one way to end your workout on a high note.

Quinoa is chock full of carbohydrates, providing the glycogen and energy it needs after the workout. The chicken contains protein, which helps repair the muscle damage caused by the exercises.

Two cups of raw vegetables, or a cup of cooked veggies, contains antioxidants which also repair muscle damage. Eating vegetables also helps in rehydrating the body.

3.    Sweet potatoes

When running low on energy after a workout, grab a few sweet potatoes, The Latin Kitchen recommends.

Sweet potatoes are rich in carbohydrates which provide your muscles the energy it needs for your next exercises. These root crops are also rich in vitamin A, providing your body with enough of the vitamin for three days.

4.    Tuna

The Latin Kitchen says tuna is filled with health proteins and omega-3s. Mix it with lemon juice, mustard and olive oil for a tasty snack.

If that's not enough, All Recipes recommends turning it into a quick salad by adding some salad dressing and sweet pickle relish. Place on a few pieces of whole grain crackers and you're good to go according to Greatist.

5.    Chocolate Milk

According to Shape magazine, drinking chocolate milk does three things to your body: it replaces some of the fluids you've lost during the exercise, repairs the muscle fibers in your body and contains sugar which restores your energy levels.

Go for low-fat or nonfat milk after a grueling workout. For vegetarians, soy milk also works.