What to Eat After a Late-Night Workout

I’m a total night owl, so hitting the gym at the crack of dawn has never worked for me. I typically get a big burst of energy in the evening, and usually work out well after the sun goes down. Many of my clients also enjoy late-night workouts, but they always have one burning question for me: “What should I eat afterward, if anything?”

My standard advice: Don’t starve yourself post-workout. You need to eat something to replenish nutrients and help your body recover from physical wear and tear. Forgoing fuel can leave you weaker, vulnerable to injuries and prone to sleep problems.

But if you know you’re going to bed soon, it’s not a good idea to chow down on a massive meal. Instead, here are six fast and simple options rich in nutrients, lean protein, and healthy fat—to support (not undo) your hard work at the gym.
 
Hummus with raw veggies

Reach for traditional hummus or mix things up with a version made from black beans, lentils or white beans. Whichever variety you choose, scoop it up with sliced bell pepper, cucumber, grape tomatoes or another in-season vegetable you like.
 
Salmon and veggie salad

Mix just an ounce or two of canned wild salmon with a small handful of baby spinach and a tablespoon of olive tapenade. Spoon it into an outer romaine leaf, or eat the tasty mixture on its own.

Roasted chickpeas

Toss a handful of chickpeas with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. (It’s fine to use canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry.) Bake on foil in the oven or toaster oven until golden brown.
 
Egg salad

Chop a few organic hard boiled eggs and toss with chopped veggies (like minced kale or shredded zucchini) and a small dollop of tahini or pesto.
 
Chilled shrimp with guacamole

Thaw five or six frozen, ready-to-eat shrimp and dip them into a quarter cup of guacamole. Just make sure the guac isn’t too hot, since spicy foods can interfere with sleep.

Nuts or seeds

A perfect post-workout serving of nuts or seeds is a quarter cup, about the size of a golf ball. (If they’re in the shell, use a half cup.) My favorites are almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. Another option: a few level tablespoons of nut or seed butter, scooped up with celery.
Source: time