Food That Helps Beat Sore Muscles!

HAPPY MONDAY :D
How are you?! Did you have a good weekend?! I hope so!! This is the beginning of an AWESOME new week so lets start it out going strong! Bring FIT on!!

Are you a workout enthusiast?! Are you a beginner or seasoned athlete?! Are you a bodybuilder?! We have all experienced our days of sore muscles. Even today, I can find new muscles in my body that haven't been used and end up being sore over the next few days. It can happen when we take an extended break from a particular muscle or when we start a new exercise.
I believe anything that challenges our bodies is a GOOD thing and I  can expect that sore muscles are usually ahead :) 

Rest is often overlooked when exercising and we should plan for it. I believe we often over train and don't give our bodies the required rest that it needs to rebuild and repair itself. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the burn feeling after a workout but it isn't always the best thing for my body ;)

There's 2 things that can speed up our recovery after a workout...LOTS of water AND the right foods! An ideal post-workout snack or meal has a mix of protein and carbs for muscle repair.
The following are packed with plenty of those and more:

SWEET POTATOES
The complex carbs will help refill our energy tank and also encourage the production of hormones essential for growth. In addition, these antioxidant-packed tubers can aid in replenishing electrolytes (like potassium) lost through sweat. Pair them with protein-rich cottage cheese for a one-two punch.

COLLARD GREENS
The pain you feel after working out may be due to the stress involved in rebuilding muscle tissue, which puts your body into an inflammatory state. To counteract the ouch, fill up on dark greens, like collards, which are rich in phytochemicals.

BRAZIL NUTS
Munch on these to get your fill of selenium, an essential element that's crucial for preventing cell damage and inflammation. The mineral, which has antioxidant properties, may also help in muscle metabolism...the process of building new tissue after you've stressed it with exercise. 

CHOCOLATE MILK
You read it right :D
This lunch-box favorite has the perfect ratio of protein to carbs. Sip it to replenish glycogen- your body's secondary energy reserve, which is tapped during exercise- and promote muscle building. It also helps rehydrate cells, reducing fatigue.

I'm super glad you read this post, NOW, get up and go workout :D
If you end up getting sore muscles, try 1 or 2 of these food suggestions and see if they speed up your recovery!
SEE YOU on Wednesday!!