Lesser Known Post Workout Foods to Aid Recovery

One huge often overlooked part of a good exercise routine, is rest and recovery. Many people disregard the importance of allowing the body to rest and recover after working out. Proper recovery is just as important if not more important as exercise when it comes to getting faster, stronger, and fitter. The rest and recovery portion of an exercise routine, is where your muscles are repairing themselves from your workouts. As they heal, they grow back bigger and stronger.

Along with making sure to actually take rest days, you can assist your body in the recovery process, by including supportive foods or supplements. Many of us know that protein and carbs are important post workout, but what about some lesser known foods?

Let's chat about a few unknown health foods that can help you in more ways than you probably know!

Turmeric is becoming more popular especially for inflammation.  So it's no surprise it's being linked to reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after both cardio and resistance workouts.  Ways to get in turmeric?  Add a tsp. to your smoothie, take it in capsule form, or start adding it to your cooking!

Green Tea Extract has long been shown to benefit metabolism and possibly aid in weight loss. It's also shown to assist in muscle recovery as it's loaded with tons of antioxidants (The Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition). These catechins reduce muscle damage caused by exercise and help speed up recovery. Either decaf or caffeinated works too! Try enjoying a nice refreshing iced green tea after your next workout!

Medicinal Mushrooms are gaining in popularity for good reasons. There are several varieties of mushrooms that have specific benefits to your body (BioMed Research Int). Cordyceps is one that has been shown to have some pretty awesome workout benefits. It energizes the muscles promoting muscle growth, increases stamina during your workout by encouraging energy production and can aid in muscle recovery post workout because of it's anti-inflammatory properties. Try adding it to your coffee pre-workout for a little extra boost and recovery aid!

Tart Cherries or Tart Cherry Juice contains high amounts of phytochemicals and anthocyanins. These flavanoids and phytochemicals help to reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, aiding in the recovery of muscle function (Scandanavian Journal of Science and Medicine). Studies have found that drinking tart cherry juice post workout, helps to reduce muscle soreness. So drink up! Add cherry juice to smoothies, post workout shakes or drink on it's own!

These are just a few lesser known foods that you can easily add to your diet to aid in workout recovery! Give them a try and see if you notice a difference.