When you exercise—regardless of what you do—your muscles use their glycogen stores for fuel. And after your workout, your body will begin the process of replenishing its glycogen stores while repairing the broken down muscle proteins. This is where eating after a workout comes in; it’s almost as important as the workout itself. Here are some tips on what to snack on post-workout and the best time to consume it.
When Should You Eat After a Workout?
Many of us lose our appetites after a good workout. Some chalk this up to our mind stopping us from undoing the good we've just done for our bodies, or that the body is simply too exhausted to realize it's starving. Whatever the case, replenishing your body's energy stores should be one of the first things you do after you exercise. It is recommended to feed your body a combination of carbs and protein as soon as possible (within 45 minutes) after exercising. This helps your body recover faster and build more metabolism-boosting muscle. In other words (and this might sound crazy, but hear us out), you're eating to burn more calories.
What Should You Eat After a Workout?
The license to eat after you exercise doesn't mean you should be swinging by McDonald's for a Quarter Pounder after your SoulCycle class. A high calorie snack or a sports drink adds unwanted calories to your body. Instead, incorporate a mix of protein, carbs, and fat into your body’s post-workout recovery process. Protein provides amino acids and the necessary building blocks required to help repair and build muscle, carbs helps replenish glycogen used during exercise, and while research remains inconclusive, many people think that eating fat after a workout slows digestion down. And of course, don't forget the greens. "I personally feel more energized since I followed a plant-based diet," says chef Iván Castro. "My skin glows, and overall I feel fantastic."
Now that we've determined when and what you should be eating after a workout, let’s get specific about what MICHELIN Guide spots you should eat at to replenish the energy you just burned off. The best part? They’re all Bib Gourmands, which means you’re getting good quality and equally good value.
Fancy Radish
Vegetarian
There’s a reason why this spot is a local favorite. Fancy Radish’s flavorful and satisfying approach to vegan cuisine is put on full display here with this vegetarian-only menu.
Inspector notes: “Rich and spicy dan dan noodles are then tossed with a tahini-based sauce for a glossy and intensely savory bite.”
La Bartola
Mexican
Bringing the vibrant and bold flavors of his native Mexico City to Toronto, chef/owner Ivan Castro's Bib Gourmand isn’t your typical taqueria. "My food comes from a different perspective, but always respects the ancient or traditional process of the dish," explains chef Castro. Here, everything here is completely meat-free. "The core or soul of Mexican food is not always on animal protein," adds Castro. And with Castro's delicious (and meatless) take on these traditional and authentic Mexican dishes, we agree.
Inspector notes: “Black sesame tostadas with salsa macha negra and sikil pak are a perfect opener. Tacos made from purple corn are eye-catching, while braised hibiscus is a delicious substitute for the typical meat. Quesadillas are filled with a mix of softened roasted potatoes, refried beans, vegetarian cheese and crisped onions. Wash it all down with a mezcal, Mexican beer or tequila. “
Macelleria Italian Steakhouse
Steakhouse
With restaurateur Anthony Lala and chef Joe Fusco at the helm, it’s no wonder this steakhouse has become an instant hit. American classics are sprinkled with an Italian flair, resulting in highlights like spinach risotto and diver scallops with truffle sauce.
Inspector notes: “The instantly beloved steakhouse has quickly wooed neighborhood hearts by offering perfectly rendered steaks at reasonable prices, but it doesn’t stop there. Other highlights include scallops seared to fork-tender perfection as well as seemingly simple yet utterly wholesome pastas such as cavatelli with broccoli rabe and sausage.”
Fishwives
Seafood
This seafood bar might seem simple, but its food is anything but. Inspired by New England cooking, those visiting for the first time will want to head straight for the large brioche buns that are buttered, toasted, and filled with Maine lobster, Dungeness crab or smoked trout with lemon mayo.
Inspector notes: “Diners can easily make a meal out of the raw menu alone, which features a roster of oysters, clams, lobster and shrimp. But cooked plates display just as much care and attention, as in the classic clam chowder or delicious market ceviche with ponzu vinaigrette.
etta
American
Here, distinctive flair and flavors meet Italian-American classics. Throw in lofty windows, ample lighting, an open-flame kitchen and what do you get? The perfect backdrop to enjoy inspired dishes like complex salads, soul warming pastas, and wood-fired pizzas.
Inspector notes: “Octopus panzanella with charred avocado, and farfalle pomodoro with creamy burrata are beloved, individually sized bites; while the mille crêpe with poached pear, oat streusel, and Earl Grey sorbet makes for an ingenious finale.”
Swine & Sons
Southern
This collaborative, multi-concept space is husband-and-wife duo Rhys and Alexia Gawlak’s latest project. Tucked inside the Winter Park Social House, this sandwich concept has a compact menu that is filled with delectable options.
Inspector notes: “The German potato salad boasts just as much boldness in flavor as it does in seasoning. A simple-sounding but perfectly executed oatmeal cookie sandwich with buttercream ends the meal on a joyful note.”
Hero image: Iván Castro/La Bartola
