Here’s the scoop: Post-workout snacking can increase metabolism and help you burn more calories. Yes, it’s true… when you snack smart, that is. After a tough gym session, your body needs to refuel. Wait too long, and you’ll find yourself raiding a snack machine or pulling into the nearest fast-food drive thru. Don’t put yourself between a rock and a very high-calorie hard place. Make these 28 nutrient-rich snacks and pack them in your gym bag for the perfect post-workout power-up!
1. Protein Snack Bites: Don’t be a confused post-workout snacker. We’ve got two words for ya: protein and carbs. These delicious bites have both. That’s all you need to know! (via Andy’s Market)
2. Sweet and Spicy Nuts: Nuts are rich in fats. Uh, the good kind. Loaded with heart-healthy fats, nuts are also a great way to boost your intake of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and vitamin E. (via Pomelo)
3. Homemade “Kind” Breakfast Bars: You can throw together this Kind-bar knockoff in 15 minutes tops. Even better, use whatever dried fruits and nuts you have on hand. Or cater to your cravings! (via Foolproof Living)
4. Healthy Cookie Dough Bars: Did someone say “healthy cookie dough?” These bars are bursting with wholesome goodies: nuts, dates, peanut butter, and even a bit of dark chocolate. Count us in! (via Untrained Housewife)
5. Peanut Butter Protein Snack Mix: The low-cal popcorn and pretzel pieces in this sweet-‘n’-salty hybrid means you can go ahead and chow down a few extra handfuls. (via 24 Carrot Live)
6. Crispy “Popcorn” Edamame: We love us some crunchy munchies. If you’re often tempted by potato chips or other crunchy snacks, try this healthy substitution. (via Thyme Bombe)
7. Peanut Butter Protein Balls: What to eat when you need a pick-me-up… ? Protein-packed peanut butter balls. (via Buff Mama Monday)
8. Frozen Nutty Banana Nibblers: These banana bites have everything you need to get your body into recovery mode. (via Fitsugar)
9. Baked Spiced Chickpeas: Yes, chickpeas. Yum. For real. Chickpeas are tossed with smoky spices and baked ’til crunchy. Think healthy CornNuts. (via Fat Girl Trapped in a Skinny Body)
10. Homemade Fruit Rollups: The strawberries in your fridge are just waiting to be turned into sweet rollups. In fact, strawberries are the only ingredient you need. Fitness experts claim that antioxidants can enhance post-workout recovery. Get your fix with these berry rollups (forget supplements!)… aaaaand… you’re not listening anymore, are you? Enjoy. (via Cincy Shopper)
11. Skinny Pumpkin Energy Bites: Do you have an insatiable sweet tooth? Use these sweet pumpkin energy bites as motivation to reach your fitness goals! (via Shugary Sweets)
12. Chocolate Cherry Almond Krispy Treats: This healthy no-bake snack is virtually a Rice Krispie treat on steroids. Chocolatey, whole-wheat bars are bursting with cherry flavor and topped off with a tart pomegranate drizzle. If snacks this good are wrong, we don’t want to be right. (via Desserts with Benefits)
13. The Ultimate Banana Nut Protein Muffin: Finally, a healthy muffin. It’s sugar free, low calorie, and packed with protein and wholesome ingredients. Yum. (via 12 Minute Athlete)
14. Chocolate Almond Protein Bars: Hearty ingredients like raw almonds and rolled oats combine with protein powder and maple syrup to create these healthy bars. (via Fitsugar)
15. Clean Blueberry Protein Muffins: Prepare yourself. Your gym buddy will be eyeing these muffins accusingly. Never mind, you’ve got a line: Guilt free. That’s right. These protein-packed muffins have absolutely no butter, flour, or sugar. Epic. (via Eat Yourself Skinny)
16. No-Bake Chewy Fiber One Protein Cookies: The thought of these tasty protein cookies waiting in your gym bag might be just the thing to push you through a grueling workout. Seriously, they’re a game changer. (via Betty Crocker)
17. Trail Mix Energy Bites: Trail mix collides with honey and peanut butter, and bam! Energy bite explosion! To save time, opt to press the mixture into a baking dish and create bars rather than forming individual balls. (via Gimme Some Oven)
18. Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) Eight Ways: There’s a million ways to enjoy the tasty pumpkin seed, and her are eight ideas to get you started. From Jamaican Jerk to Latte, there’s a flavor for every taste bud. (via Rachel Cooks)
19. Easy Homemade Jerky: Some days, that skinny-snack mix just ain’t cuttin’ it. Lucky for you, making homemade jerky is easier than you think. (via Bare Root)
20. DIY Larabars: This copycat tastes just like a cherry-pie Larabar. You love them too? High fives all around. What a find! (via Donuts, Dresses, and Dirt)
21. Skinny Banana Cookies: So tasty, you’ll be wondering if its dessert. Here’s where portion control becomes serious business. They’re that good. (via Six Sisters’ Stuff)
22. Healthy, Soft, and Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Surprise! We’ve even found a healthy cookie for you. Quick tip: making these sweeties may require some extra planning unless your pantry is usually stocked with ingredients like peanut flour and granulated erythritol. (via Desserts with Benefits)
23. Homemade Clif Bars: Now you can recreate your favorite energy bars. In minutes. With simple ingredients. #efficiency (via Cookies and Cups)
24. Banana Nut Bread Granola Bars: Go bananas for banana-nut-bread bars. They taste just as good as the loaf, but offer even more nutritional benefits. (via Cupcakes and Kale Chips)
25. Simple Homemade Energy Snack Bar: Simple is an understatement here. Six ingredients and two minutes are all you need to make these snack bars. (via Call Me PMC)
26. Vibrant Pistachio Lime Crunch Bars: Cue bright colors and bold flavors. When you feel the need to try a new healthy snack, these vibrant pistachio-lime crunch bars will fit the bill. (via Spa Bettie)
27. Spiced Pumpkin Seed and Cashew Crunch: Facing a time crunch? Nuts are the perfect grab ‘n’ go. Try this pumped-up version! (via Epicurious)
28. Healthy Travel Mix: This mix is dangerously good; dangerous because it’s delicious. And also because the reason we’re in the gym to begin with has something to do with a few too many snacks. Oopsie. (via With Style and Grace)
Let’s have a peek inside your gym bag! Tell us: What are your go-to post-workout snacks?
