How Much Should You Worry About Post-Workout Eating?
Reader Comments
beer might work
I don't have any specific studies to back up a claim for this, but for me, a combination of beer and an amino acid supplement has been a fantastic post-training routine. I am a physician (MD) and a triathlete so I have at least some knowledge and experience to support my opinion but I'll not say that this is the BEST recovery routine for everyone.
Currently I'm training for three sprint triathlons to complete this summer. I've been training and racing off and on for twenty years now. After my workouts I will drink two beers and take about 20gm of amino acids in pill form (full spectrum, not just branched chain, no other additives).
Ethanol is an excellent source of fuel and is quickly absorbed and utilized by the liver. Ethanol also helps me cool down more quickly by enhancing vasodilation. The medium bodied amber ales with slightly higher alcohol content are my preference but I'm sure a light pilsner would work just as well. I drink sixteen ounces of water before each beer. I have a healthy meal 1-2 hours after that. I don't drink sports drinks or take other supplements. On race days, I pack a cooler of cold beer and usually drink 3-4 beers with other protein rich snacks after a triathlon, with LOTS of water.
If you try this, drink responsibly, and remember that in excess ethanol is toxic to muscle tissue and causes dehydration.
Depends on the person!
Chocolate milk has a similar ratio of carbs to protein as endurox r4 but is also full of lactose and hormones people shoudn't have. -- I drank endurox r4 after swimming in the mornings so I could recover before afternoon practices, I think it helped me break through, really. I swear by the stuff - the combo of vitamins it has is great for cell recovery. It tastes pretty good too. After swimming in college I became a runner and started drinking E r4 again - my 5k time went from 24 to 16:45 within two years - a huge jump. It's not that expensive either, if you buy it in bulk especially (its like $2 per drink - totally worth it).
