Whether you’re trotting up the stairs to your apartment after a five-mile jog or pounding out that last set of curls, there is nothing like that post-workout feeling. You’ve busted your tail and now it’s time to relax.
Or is it? A little couch time might seem in order, but that doesn’t mean the work is done. After a hard workout, your body becomes super receptive to nutrients, so proper eating in the hour after is crucial. Don’t slack off now. Hit the kitchen for your Shakeology recovery shake within the first 10 minutes of wrapping up, and allow 30 to 45 minutes for it to absorb before eating anything else!

When Nietzsche said, “That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger,” he could have been talking about a good workout. First of all, exercise burns through your blood sugar as well as your glycogen, your body’s back-up sugar supply. Meanwhile, it drains your electrolytes and fluids and causes micro-trauma to your muscles. That last one typically happens more often with weight training, but just about any intense exercise breaks down (and subsequently builds) muscle to some degree. Just look at a swimmer’s shoulders or a jogger’s legs if you doubt this.

When it comes to a serious workout, one of the many reasons trainers like P90X’s Tony Horton and RevAbs’ Brett Hoebel recommend drinking Shakeology is because your body is in a state of depletion, so many people make the mistake of eating too many calories afterward.

How many calories you should consume post-workout depends on your size and how hard you blasted it, but the general range is 100 to 250 calories post-workout. At 140 to 150 calories, Shakeology fills this requirement perfectly, and if you need more calories we recommend adding a banana or some nut butter for extra protein.

Protein is critical after a tough workout because it works to repair your muscles. This is due to the fact that protein is comprised of amino acids, which serve as building blocks for muscle. If you can get some protein in your body fast, it can jump-start the recovery process. With 16 to 18 grams of quality protein in each serving, Shakeology works great as a muscle building tool and is absorbed perfectly after a work-out because your body in its depleted state is extra receptive to the nutrients.

The next mode of action is replenishing your blood sugar. In order to do this you need carbs. There are 17 grams of carbs in each serving of Shakeology, which when taken with protein post-workout, can both replenish your body and keep you satisfied, so you don’t overeat or suffer through that “I’m starving” feeling, which can lead to unhealthy meal choices.

The final two pieces of the recovery puzzle are electrolytes (specifically potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride) and water, all of which you lose when you sweat. The magnesium, sodium, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in Shakeology will boost your electrolytes, and if you want to get even more, make your shake with coconut water. As for rehydrating, I hear there’s a new thing out there called “water.” You might want to research it. 🙂

Enjoy and score your Shakeology at my website and get my customized support by going to www.myshakeology.com/melaniemitro