Working out regularly is a great way to boost your physical and mental wellbeing. Not only does it help your body function at its best, but it also releases endorphins and “happy chemicals” within your brain, giving you that post-workout buzz. If you don't hydrate properly after your workout, though, you could be undoing a lot of that good work.
This is because we lose a lot of fluid when we're working up a sweat, and our bodies need proper hydration to be able to repair themselves after an intense session.
Every organ in our body needs water to work properly, and if you want to perform at your best (both during and after your workout) making sure you're drinking enough H2O is an easy step in the right direction. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some simple ways to rehydrate after your workout, so you'll have plenty of options to suit your lifestyle.
1. Drink plenty of water
Even if you drink water throughout your workout, it's important that you drink up straight after as well. When working up a sweat, you lose a lot of fluids and these need to be replenished in order for your body to properly recover.
Getting enough water post workout also helps your body cool down. Find it hard to remember to keep up the water intake? Keeping an insulated water bottle with you means you've always got a refreshing drink close by. If you feel like switching it up, you can also add flavours to your water, making it even more enjoyable to up your hydration.
2. Sip on electrolyte drinks
Electrolytes assist our muscles in functioning and repairing themselves, so an electrolyte drink is a great addition to your post-workout routine. This is thanks to their ability to help replenish minerals in your body (such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium), which are commonly lost through sweat. Electrolytes are particularly important after an intense workout as they can help with things like muscle soreness, and have the added bonus of faster hydration.
Pre-made options are great for those who are time-poor, but you can also make your own with natural ingredients if you want more control over what you put in your body. Pop ingredients such as lemon or lime juice, coconut water, honey and salt into your reusable cup so it’s ready when you are. Feel free to customise what you’re adding to create something that tastes delicious and is still beneficial for your post workout recovery process.
3. Incorporate hydrating foods into post-workout snacks
Another way to get a hydration boost after your workout is to have a snack that's packed full of hydrating foods. Fruits with a high water content such as watermelon, oranges and strawberries are great go-tos, or make a more substantial meal with a cucumber sandwich or salad.
Not only will these ingredients help your body get the fluids it needs, but they'll also provide key vitamins and minerals that you need to function at your best.
You can take your post-workout snack to the next level by preparing a smoothie to go with it (simply blend up your chosen ingredients and enjoy) for an extra nutrient boost. Fruit salad and other similar snacks are also great hydrating food ideas.
4. Enjoy herbal teas and broths
Finally, if you'd prefer your post-workout hydration fix to be a little warmer, consider having a soup, broth, or herbal tea. If you want an energy boost, vegetable and bone broths provide essential hydration while also offering up many of the vitamins that our bodies need to help us feel awake and alert. You could also make yourself a herbal tea with energising ingredients such as ginseng for some extra pep.
On the other hand, if you're an evening workout person and want to unwind afterwards, consider a warming soup like pumpkin or a soothing herbal tea. Chamomile is perfect for this, but you could also consider peppermint or ginger if you want something that tastes a bit fresher while also nourishing your body.
Proper post-workout hydration is something that many people lack, and their bodies definitely let them know about it. By picking even one of these options and ensuring you do it every time you workout, you'll be helping your body to function at its best.
From keeping hydrated and happy, to ensuring a quick recovery, there are plenty of reasons to reach for your drink bottle and a hydrating snack. Drink up!
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