7 Best snacks you should eat in the gym

Source: www.yahoo.com

Raisins

Raisins are a great natural alternative to energy gels. A study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise found that the fast-burning energy provided by raisins is the perfect post-workout instant energy boost, even performing better than many specifically designed sports sweets and gels.
 

Chocolate milk

Forget expensive protein shakes and energy shots – according to research published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, the most effective post-workout drink for muscle development is good old chocolate milk. It makes sense when you think about it, as chocolate milk contains twice as much muscle replenishing protein and carbohydrates as regular sports drinks, as well as high levels of calcium.
 

Chickpeas

Not many people would think of taking chickpeas to the gym, but all you need to do is soak them, add a touch of lemon juice, and pop them in your bag as a tasty snack. According to Registered Dietician Rebecca Scritchfield, chickpeas are so suited to post-gym snacking because of their high levels of protein, carbohydrates and fibre.  
 

Grapes

When your workout is fast approaching, you need a snack that is high in carbohydrates for an energy kick before you exercise. Grapes are perfect for this. As an added bonus, grapes contain the polyphenol chemical 'resveratrol'. Researchers in the Netherlands recently discovered that resveratrol has the potential to increase the rate of fat reduction, which is great news if you're working out to lose weight.
 

Soy nuts

The key to an effective workout is to do everything you can after it to help your muscles to recover. Your body needs protein to kick-start the healing process, so grab a handful of soy nuts to snack on when your workout is finished. Just one portion of soy nuts contains an impress 35g of protein, and unlike other nuts they are relatively low in fat. Protein is particularly important if you've been pushing your body to the limit with resistance exercises like weight lifting. Soy-based foods are also amongst the best natural sources of isoflavones; powerful compound that lower cholesterol and boost heart health.
 

Chia seed bar

Everyone knows that staying hydrated when you workout is hugely important, but did you know you could boost hydration with chia seeds? Chia seeds are a hydrophilic food, meaning they help to keep you hydrated for longer and retain electrolytes in your body. Running guru Christopher McDougall explains that chia seeds can absorb 10 times their own weight in water, making them one of the best foods to keep your hydration levels high during long workouts.
 

Ginger

If you often find yourself feeling sore after a workout, ginger is the answer. In a study published in the Journal of Pain, participants who ate a half teaspoon of ginger reported a 25 per cent reduction in muscle pain the day after their workout, when compared with a control group who didn't eat any ginger. You'll have to be brave to eat a spoonful of ginger on its own, so try infusing some into a cup of tea when you've finished your workout instead.