Getting back into any exercise routine can literally be a pain in the butt. Achy muscles after a hard workout, or the first few workouts after a long break from exercising, is normal and can even be healthy.
What’s going on inside your body is that your exercises are actually causing small tears in your muscle fibres, which generally repair in a few days.
What can you do to help ease the aches and make it easier to stick to your new exercise regime? We’ll be sharing a list of budget-friendly whole foods that contain important nutrients to aid in muscle repair.
Here’s a list of below:
1. Wholegrain bread
That’s right, don’t ditch the carbs. Eating quality carbs, like wholegrain bread or cereals, helps fuel your body during exercise and may help prevent muscle cramps. After a workout, carbs help to replenish muscle fuel stores. Wholegrains will also give your body a range of nutrients including fibre, protein, B vitamins, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper.
2. Cottage cheese
Another great toast topper, these spreadable cheeses provide a source of calcium. While known as the nutrient that keeps your bones strong, calcium is also vital for muscle and nerve function.
3. Nuts
These little morsels are loaded with goodness and provide your body with protein as well as nutrients like magnesium. Brazil nuts are the best nutty source but almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans and pine nuts all contain magnesium. This essential mineral helps create new proteins to repair muscles and supports normal muscle function. Nuts are also good for your weight and your heart,
4. Legumes
Legumes are high in zinc, which is known for its healing properties. As well as helping your body repair wounds, zinc supports protein synthesis and breaks down carbohydrates to make it easier for your body to replenish fuel stores. Other sources of zinc include wholegrains, tofu, nuts and seeds.
5. Watermelon
More than a juicy thirst quencher, watermelon has some surprising nutrition credentials. It contains the amino acid l-citrulline, which has been shown to soothe aching muscles. One study, which tested watermelon juice as a recovery drink for athletes, showed it helped muscle soreness.
6. Seeds
Flax seeds, hemp seeds and chia seeds are all plant sources of omega-3, known as ALA or α-linolenic acid. This fatty-acid is a building block your body uses to create hormones that regulate a wide range of functions, including controlling inflammation and muscle contraction and relaxation. Your body can’t make omega-3, so you need to include it in your diet. Other plant sources of omega-3 include soybeans , walnuts, seaweed, leafy greens and wheatgerm.
