It’s Friday so of course that means I’m linking up for Friday Five 2.0 with Rachel from Running on Happy and Lacey and Meranda from Fairytales and Fitness.
Today’s topic is about food, specifically post run snacks and meals. I could talk about food all day, every day. I’m one of those people that exercises/runs because I love to eat. I can probably spend half of a long run thinking about what I want to eat/drink once the run is over. I’ll literally run through all my options and try to think about what I’m in the mood for that day. Sometimes I’m super hungry after a run, and sometimes I just want a smoothie, but here are some of my favorite post run meals and snacks.
Protein Smoothie
This is probably the easiest and quickest post run meal. I don’t follow a particular recipe, but I always use 2 cups of spinach, ice, water, one scoop of protein powder (usually vanilla or strawberry) and whatever fruit I have on hand (bananas, strawberries, blueberries, etc). A protein smoothie is great because I can drink it while doing my post-run stretches.
Pizza
My love for pizza runs deep. It’s my favorite food and I think there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a slice (or two) after a run. Besides, it has carbs and protein which is what we should be aiming for after a hard workout, right? Hahaha 🙂
This dog is my spirit animal
Oatmeal
There’s nothing better than enjoying a nice bowl of hot oatmeal after running outside in the cold. During the winter I’m usually freezing once I stop running, so I always want to warm up as quickly as possible! My favorite oatmeal? Steel cut oats made with milk sprinkled with cinnamon and half of a granny smith apple (cut up into chunks). It’s my take on a healthier version of apple cinnamon oatmeal. You can also add a scoop of protein powder (unflavored or vanilla) for an extra boost of protein.
Brunch
It’s so much fun to eat brunch after a run, especially a long run. Who doesn’t love pancakes and bacon? OR eggs and toast? Or maybe a bagel with cream cheese? To top it off, you can enjoy it all with a mimosa or beer. While I don’t go to brunch after long runs that often, it really is a great treat!
Fruit Salad
Sometimes I just want a quick snack, especially if it’s a short run. After a summer run, I love a good fruit salad. When it’s in season, I use watermelon as the base and then add in strawberries, blueberries and cantaloupe. Sometimes I’ll add in honeydew or kiwi if I have it on hand. Not only is it healthy and refreshing, but it’s a great way to hydrate as well!
Do you have a favorite post run meal or snack?
oh pizza why are you so good!? 🙂
Exactly! I need someone to invent a no-calorie pizza haha
Recently my running partner has been making me post run protein smoothies. I’m totally in love with them. But not enough to actually buy my own blender LOL.
Smoothies can be SO refreshing!!
You know, I do oatmeal before a long run, but never really thought of doing it after. Probably because it lacks protein, but you can make protein oats, too! I enjoy smoothies, but found they didn’t tame the rungries for me. I tend to go with a home made protein bar because they’re easily portable.
Although the group I’m going to Wineglass with has been eating brunch out . . . maybe a bit too much!
I wish I could eat oatmeal before a run but for some reason it gives me tummy issues 🙁
Omg! That picture with the yellow lab is adorable! I love pizza and nachos after my long runs. They are definitely my weakness!
Isn’t it just so cute?! and I feel that he understands my love for pizza, haha
I swore by protein smoothies post-run but lately I’ve been slacking on them. My bad. Pizza for the win!
Pizza is always a great choice, lol
Brunch is my favorite. I don’t do it often enough after long runs, but I always try to fit it in after races.
Same here. I love a good brunch after a race!
After my runs, I eat a sweet potato with sunflower seed butter. It’s my favorite! Then a bit later I’ll have a protein smoothie in a bowl. My husband and kids eat pizza at least once a week!!
I love sweet potatoes so I’ll have to try that!
I’m trying to move past junk food snacks, so I have things like cashews and dried cherries in the pantry. If I can get sources of natural protein, I can boost my muscles after a strength training session. I used dinner last night to do that, with a big piece of chicken.
Those are really great ideas. Thanks so much for sharing!
Actually, my favorite post-run (or, currently, post WALK) treat is a hot chai latte. Boring, I know, but the flavor is SOOO good and I love the hot beverage going down my throat (especially if I’m returning from a chilly outside workout).
Ohh that actually sounds really good!
Pizza is so delicious!! I wish I was having some pizza right now!
Me too! I’m always in the mood for pizza 🙂
It depends on the run! After a long run, my tummy is usually funny for a little bit so I play it safe with a banana but after that, it’s ON! I’m a huge pancakes and bacon fan. 🙂 After a regular run, I’m just down for food, plain and simple. Yogurt with granola, oats, avocado toast – yeah, it’s all good! 🙂
I’m the same way. I’m usually more thirsty than hungry, so once I relish liquids, I’m ready to eat!!
PIZZA! BRUNCH! OATMEAL!!!
We are totes on the same wavelength, girl. I can’t wait for you to come to CLE!
It’s going to be so much FUN!!
I usually crave like a sandwich with chips after a long run or like you, breakfast! I love pizza too, but that would be later on for dinner. 🙂
I feel like brunch is always a great option because you can load u on breakfast or lunch food 🙂
Pizza all the time! I just bought a new protein power to try because I’ve been slacking on my smoothies. I’m going to try your idea of adding protein powder to oatmeal – so good on a cold morning!
Oatmeal acts as my go-to breakfast during the winter too!
Smoothies are my fave. But pizza a few hours after. And wine 🙂
Wine is always a good choice 🙂
Pizza? I’ve been missing out! LOL!
I work out in the early morning and before I do that I eat breakfast (eggs). Then afterwards, my favorite is Nature Valley oat & honey crunchy granola bars with some peanut butter on top. That’s pretty much my go-to snack. I think I keep those people in business! 😀
I love those NV bars! I use them as a snack between lunch and dinner on some days.
Pizza always tastes delicious, but seems to taste especially good after a long, challenging run.
That is SO true! It always tastes magical after a long run lol
In college I loved that we always got brunch in the dining hall after our long Saturday morning rows. I miss that. I do love a great protein smoothie post workout and some eggs!
Now that you mention it, I do miss that about college, lol!
Yummy! I definitely needed these tips and ideas. What do you usually eat before going for a run?
I usually don’t eat before a run. If I eat anything, its just a piece of dry toast. My stomach is kind of sensitive.
Ummm does beer count? I have been actually having and craving crisp turkey bacon after my long runs. It’s soooo good!
Beer most certainly counts! I LOVE turkey bacon, especially with eggs and toast after a long run!