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The 5 Post-Workout Nutrition Mistakes You Keep Making

With all the information out there in the world, how do you know what to drink or eat post workout? I asked a registered nutritionist, and this is what I learned.
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Happy young half-caste girl drink protein shake after training in fitness center
LuckyBusiness via Getty Images
Happy young half-caste girl drink protein shake after training in fitness center

It's no secret, I love being active and having a healthy lifestyle. But with all the information out there, how do you know what to drink or eat post workout? Recently, I was lucky enough to speak with Bridgette Clare to find out the top nutrition tips.

A Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN), Certified Raw Foods Chef and Vega Product Specialist, Bridgette Clare works at Vega as the Customer Experience Team Lead. Bridgette is passionate about making food fun and accessible. She believes what we eat has a huge impact on how we feel and wholeheartedly supports a holistic approach to nutrition. Experimenting in the kitchen, sharing new recipes and enjoying new culinary experiences with friends is what she's all about.

Bridgette shared her top nutrition tips below:

What are the top 5 mistakes that people make with nutrition post workout?

Only five? Kidding. The top five post-workout nutrition mistakes are:

1. Not drinking enough

You went hard in your workout; you left a puddle of sweat on the floor and are currently wringing out your shirt like you ran through a sprinkler on the 4th of July. In that sweat you lose more than water. Sweat is made up of water and electrolytes like sodium and potassium.

2. Using the same protein powder for years

Save the curls for the gym and put down that massive tub of whey protein. Instead, consider your options.

3. Not eating enough

Whatever your goal, starving your muscles and depleting your energy post-workout by not eating enough isn't the answer.

4. Waited too long to eat

Takeout, pizza, whatever your go-to choice is, if you wait too long to eat you're more inclined to make poor decisions when you're starving later.

5. Using the gym as excuse to eat anything you want

This one is my personal fave, the one I see the most and the one used to be guilty of myself.

YOLO. Right? Wrong. Just because you hit the gym, hard, doesn't mean you can eat and drink whatever, whenever, because the truth is you can't out squat or out run a poor diet.

What are the best tips for post workout?

My best three tips, based on the five post-workout nutrition mistakes are:

1. Get hydrated

Take small sips of water all day, top up your fluids post-workout and incorporate electrolyte containing foods like leafy green veggies into your day.

2. Vary your protein

There's a world of options out there. Consider plant-based proteins like lentils and beans for the amino acids your muscles need, without compromise. Plant-based proteins are usually cleaner and more sustainable from growth to production than animal protein. At Vega, clean means plant-based, gluten-free, made without dairy or soy ingredients, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.

3. Eat after your workout

Ignoring your hunger post-workout is like ignoring the flat on your bike. Sure, you can ride (or go without eating) for a while but it'll catch up with you.

Why is post workout nutrition important?

Your diet plays a role in how quickly you'll reach your workout goals. Focus your diet around nutrient dense foods by eating a balance of clean protein (like lentils and beans), healthy fats (see: olive oil and coconut oil) and fiber (hello leafy greens and berries).

Your suggestions are always welcome, as I continue on my journey to live life to the fullest. Let's have the very best and healthiest 2016!

Visit Sacha daily at SachaD.com

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