After a hard day of working out, the last thing you want to do is go a whole evening without tasting something delicious. Sadly, many people do that after a workout because they believe unhealthy foods such as alcohol and deep fried stuff will help them lose weight. While that may be true in the short term, drinking alcohol and eating junk food won’t promote weight loss in the long term. Instead, it will hinder the process. If you want to lose weight in a healthy manner, you need to focus on what you eat after your workout instead of what you drink. Luckily, it’s not that hard to do. Here are some suggestions to help you out:
Dry Martini
Speaking of which, a great way to drink after a workout is with a dry martini. It’s a classic cocktail that is easy to prepare. Simply mix gin or vodka with dry martini ingredients (Italian or French vermouth, dry vermouth, and olive or canned Italian or French olive) and enjoy. You can even make it a bit fancier by adding an olive or two to the cocktail. You may also want to prepare a few of these for your colleagues and friends who are also doing a lot of their exercises today. Believe it or not, drinking alcohol can actually help you burn calories. One study from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark found that alcoholic beverages have a “calorie-burning effect,” and that those who drink alcohol after a workout have lower fat percentages than those who don’t drink alcohol after their workout. This is because alcohol lowers the body’s absorption of dietary fats (including those from red meat). What’s more, it has been shown to increase the body’s resting metabolic rate for up to two hours after consumption. So if you’re looking to lose weight, have a drink!
Red And White Wine
Red wine has been shown to increase both the body’s resting metabolic rate and fat loss in overweight individuals. It has also been proven to enhance muscle strength and prevent osteoporosis. The benefits of white wine are similar, but it has lesser effects. Whatever your tastes are, drinking red wine post-workout can certainly help you lose weight. Of course, it’s important to note that alcohol inhibits muscle protein synthesis and therefore may slow down your body’s ability to rebuild and grow. If you want to drink to your heart’s content without worrying about gaining weight, go for red wine.
Sprite And Ginger Ale
Another great option after a workout is to drink a glass of milk with lemonade. In one study from the United Kingdom, participants who consumed 500 ml of milk per day after a workout experienced an average weight loss of 2.3 kg over a three month period. The placebo group (who were given a placebo drink instead of milk) experienced a 0.7 kg weight gain over the same period. The study also found that those who drank milk after their workout had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than before they started exercising. The authors of the study suggest that milk contains “good carbs” that give the body energy while also providing it with good fats that are essential for heart health. Another study from New Zealand found similar results, with participants who drank either milk or water after their workout losing about the same amount of weight over a six month period. Like milk, ginger ale provides the body with good fats and carbs, while also boosting your mental performance through the consumption of caffeine. Together, these two beverages provide a lot of nutrients, minerals, and other substances that are important for human health. If you’re looking to shed some pounds, choose milk and ginger ale over water because they provide you with more nutrients while also having fewer calories. Not surprisingly, some weight loss supplements contain milk and/or ginger ale as active ingredients.
Water
Most adults need at least eight glasses of water per day to stay hydrated. (One glass is eight ounces.) After a tough workout, the last thing you want to do is drink something that’s going to cause you to lose even more water than you already have. Instead, fill up a water bottle and take it with you to work or school. When you get there, drink plenty of water to replenish what you lost during your workout. What’s more, it’s important to drink water even when you’re not working out or playing sports because it helps maintain a proper body temperature. If you regularly drink water, you’ll also be sure to stay hydrated which in turn can help keep your weight in check. Another great option is sparkling water with lemon or lime. Many people call it an “ice water” because it is usually served in an ice-filled glass. If you love the taste of citrus, you can prepare an “ice water” with lemon or lime instead of plain old water. Just remember to limit your intake of ice, especially in large quantities, otherwise, you may suffer from hypothermia (a low body temperature). Ultimately, drinking water can help you lose weight in a healthy manner. It won’t hurt, and it may even help. Regardless, it’s important to remember that this is not a quick fix. You have to be consistent in order to see results.
Which One Is Tastiest?
When you have decided what type of fluid you will drink after your workout, it’s time to pick a favorite. It doesn’t have to be a complicated decision. Just remember that some people have different taste preferences than others. If you want to be certain that you’ll enjoy your drink, pick one that your friends and colleagues will enjoy as well. In addition, make sure that the brand you choose is high quality and won’t cause any problems with your health in the long term. If you have children, pick a brand that they’ll enjoy as well because it’s important for their health that they get their daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. A good rule of thumb is to stick with a classic drink that everyone knows and likes. It will make things a lot easier when you are out trying to socialize and drink with other people. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice and you may find that one type of drink is better than another after a workout. It’s always a good idea to try something new, but with each sip, you must remember why you love it in the first place.