This challenge has ended 8/8/2011. Take a picture of what you eat after your workout and upload it here. Let us know your secret ingredients and why it is your favorite. At the end of the week one winner will be selected and awarded a $50 American Express gift card and a LIVESTRONG.COM t-shirt. You may upload as many submissions as you like, but an image is required - the photo must be taken by you of your food. Thanks and good luck!
My favorite post workout meal lately is my take on Ellie Krieger's breakfast cookie recipe
(you can find it here) Below are my substitutions:
I use 2 extra tablespoons of canola oil instead of the butter; I don't add the extra 3
tablespoons of sugar; I use craisins and dried apricots instead aof raisins, but still
keep it to 1/4 cup dried fruit; I use a Weetabix biscuit instead of the bran cereal. This
cuts the calories to 168 according to Livestrong measurements in the MyMeal section--it
might still be a little off though so I would say it's still 180-190 calories. They are
big cookies though!
The cookie is so soft and packed with nutrients! I eat it with a 3/4 cup of Greek yogurt
with 10 raspberries for some extra protein and vitamins and fiber from the fruit. I find
the Trader Joe's non fat greek yogurt is cheaper than Chobani and has less sugar so it has
become my go-to greek yogurt! All in all this meal has around 300 calories (268 according
to the chart but the measurement is made on a meal added by me so it could be a little
off), it's low in sugar and high in protein for recovery after a workout. Plus it's got
fiber and the healthy fats from the walnuts. Add a cup of black coffee and you are ready
to go!
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[the picture is sideways and I can't seem to edit it but you get the idea!]
I attend an outdoor boot camp 3 mornings a week, and this breakfast is just what
I need afterward. The protein from the yogurt aids in recovery, my body burns
through the carbs in this powerful muesli and fruit, the flax seed adds some healthy fat,
and I'm down to coffee with only organic half & half. It's a satisfying meal,
and keeps me going strong until snack time! 1 c organic non-fat yogurt, .25 c Bob's Red
Mill Muesli, 1 tbsp organic ground flax seed, .25 c blueberries, .5 medium banana, 8 oz
coffee, 1 tbsp organic half & half
Rings in at Cals 305.5, Fat 5.25, Chol 5, Sodium 175.75, Carbs 50.75, Fiber 8.5, Prot
17.55, Sugars 28.25
My weekend post workout is a meal not a snack since I try to workout as soon as I get
out of bed. This way I have the rest of the day to do what I need to. Today I made my Pina
Colada protein shake and ate a Luna bar with it. The shake is made with 1 1/4 cups Vanilla
Coconut Milk (Silk is better if you want more coconut flavor, So Delicious if you want
more vanilla flavor), 1 scoop vanilla Whey protein powder, 1 6oz. carton Chobani Pineapple
flavor yogurt, and 1 TBSP. ground flax seed. Add it with 2-3 ice cubes in a blender and
mix till smooth. I just love coconut milk because it gives me those MCFA's which help cell
function and give you energy. The Chobani is a greek yogurt so it adds protein along with
the whey powder. Flax is awesome for giving your body antioxidants, omega 3's, and fiber.
The Luna bar is a nutrition bar for women. It has all the B vitamins and 100% Folate,
which is one of the most deficient vitamins in the woman's diet. Most flavors give about
8-9 g protein and they are low in fat. The low glycemic index allows you to feel fuller
longer. They are 70% organic as well. It is a quick, nutritious meal.
When I workout in the mornings before breakfast I like to have my egg white omelete and
a bowl of oatmeal. This meal is low in calories, fat, and sugar, but higher in fiber and
protein. It adds just enough carbs to jump start my daily energy needs as well. I love
making meals in under 10 minutes and this is one of them. I use one packet of instant
regular flavor oatmeal, 1 TBSP flax, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, and a sprinkle of
cinnamon. For the omelete I mix 4 egg whites with fresh spinach leaves and 1/2 of a medium
tomatoe. I season with sea salt, black pepper, and a dash of ground red pepper. My secret
ingredients are the cinnamon, ground red pepper, and home grown tomatoes. The spices boost
metabolism from what I've read and add flavor. I love using home grown fruits and veggies
as much as possible. Meal totals: 242 calories/ 4g fat/ 0 chol/ 221mg sodium/ 28.5g carbs/
6g fiber/ 22g protein/ 6g sugar.

I love this, muscle milk light protein powder1 scoop, unsalted natural peanut butter 1 T.,
ice water 6oz , blend. sometime I do a banana instead of peanut butter I would only do
banana and peanut butter if I was using it as a meal replacement. I truly feel the
difference from when I workout really hard (like resistance training and a spin class) and
don't have a post workout snack. I am then starving by dinner and overeat and feel weak
and sluggish the follwing day.
I love it because,
1) it tastes good like a sweet treat,
2) low calories,
3)low salt,
4) high protein
5)high in potassium
I like to have some Seared Ahi Tuna (no oil) with just the right amount of fresh Ginger,
Sesame's, sprinkled with Sea Salt and fresh ground black pepper and on the side a nice
mixed organic greens salad with steamed garlic green beans with a fig vinaigrette and last
but not least a serving of Black Rice better know as Emperor's rice What’s really
incredible about Black Rice is the fact that it contains even more antioxidants (per
serving) than blueberries and valuable anti inflammatory properties.

Oh yes, love me some seared tuna. Thanks for the info on the black rice as well. I haven't tried that yet, but now I will.
My all time favorite, Seared Ahi Tuna and you beat me to it. Was planning on making some tomorrow to take a photo, but glad to see someone else loves it as much as I do.
I ususally do it with wild rice, but need to try the black. And usually have it with grilled asparagus or grilled beans. I will also make a side sauce from sauteed onion, garlic and shallot, in a reduction of wine (cooks off all alcohol) and soy sauce with a little wasabi and cilantro added in the last moments of cooking.
Who wouldn't love cake after working out?! This one's packed with protein and healthy
grains to refuel and keep you going for hours!!
3/4 scoop Vanilla Advanced Whey
1 T each: soy flour, buckwheat flour (or whole wheat),
oatmeal
4 T milk + splash water
1 T yogurt
dash salt & baking powder
Bake at 350* in a loaf pan or ramekin for 20 minutes or until edges begin to curl from
pan.

Top with peanut butter, bananas, and a bit of granola for even more nutrients!
Check out Bites and Bliss for more healthy workout
recipes!

This is my favorite meal after a morning workout but I could eat it all day and night. It
has tastes and textures of street tacos but I know it's not first dipped in grease. About
a cup of shredded chicken thigh, 2-3 egg whites, lettuce, onion, tomato, cilantro, and
guacamole made with plain Greek yogurt. Make two or three big tacos and you will be
satisfied.
I found these frozen soups/stews in the freezer section of my supermarket and I love
them!! They are made from all natural ingredients and very easy to make. They are
microwaveable for those who don't like to cook, or just boil one bag for 15 minutes. You
get 2 servings per box as well. Today I made the Tabatchnick Tuscany Lentil Soup. 1
serving is only 160 calories, 0g of fat, 0mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 430mg potassium,
29g carbs, 8g fiber, 3g sugar, and 11g protein. It is seasoned just right so no need for
salt, pepper, etc. I do like to add a dash of ground red pepper to spice it up. A secret
ingredient I mix in for added protein is cooked shredded chicken breast or grilled firm
tofu. Didn't have any today, just the soup, but it was still good.

After a morning Insanity workout or training run, this breakfast can be whipped up in
about two minutes. Add 1/2 cup of egg beater to a frying pan and cook it omelet style.
Throw half a half cup frozen spinach in the microwave (I just cut off 1/3 of those
"bricks" of frozen spinach. Top with some hot salsa. For a little extra protein I
either mix some black beans in with the eggs, or slice up some almonds and throw those
into the eggs as well.
I prefer a meal high in protein with some good greens.

I prepare some salmon dredged in egg milk and a touch soy sauce then coated with bread
crumbs, or just grilling can be nice too. While this is baking a steam some asparagus
spears and saute them in a bit a olive oil, and cook some wild rice. This provides a
nice balance meal which isn't heavy in one particular nutrient.
What really does it for me is Chobani greek yogurt with my homemade granola and fresh
berries. The yogurt is packed with protein which is essential in post-workout
recovery. My granola is all natural and simple. I only use about 2 TBSP just to add a
nice crunch. All berries compliment the tartness of the yogurt well. I guess
blueberries or raspberries would be my favorite - they provide antioxidants, fiber and add
low-calorie sweetness. Mix a 1/2 cup of berries and 2 TBSP of granola to any flavor of
Chobani and you have the perfect post-workout snack that will fuel your body with what it
needs for around 225 calories.

My secret granola recipe:
- 1.5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp oil (vegetable or EVOO)
- dash of salt
Mix honey and oil and stir into oats with dash of salt. Blend until well coated.
Spread onto baking sheet at bake at 300 for 8 minutes, stir mixture and bake for another 8
minutes. Let cool on baking sheet and store in air-tight container. Makes 1.5 cups
(See 4 ingredient granola for nutritional values)
Today I used some left over steak from last night to make my post workout salad for today.
That's using the noodle!! This was so easy, tasty, and healthy. Just used 2.9 oz. Laura's
Lean strip steak on top of 1 cup organic spring mix, added about 1 oz. organic salad
veggies, and topped it off with Litehouse Sesame and Ginger dressing. I added a Weight
Watchers Mozzarella stick to it as well. Meal totals: 218 calories, 6 g fat, 13 carbs, 26
g of protein, 45 mg cholesterol, and 501 mg of sodium. If you omit the cheese stick you
can subtract 150 mg of sodium if you're on a low sodium diet. This salad was good for me
bc it was low calorie, low carb, and high protein. Everything I love after a
workout!!
If I work out late, I usually have to eat dinner right after. So I turn my dinner into
my post workout meal. Yesterday was 4 oz. Laura's Lean strip steak (grilled), about 16
spears of steamed organic asparagus with sea salt and pepper, and half of a baked sweet
potato seasoned with fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. I love Laura's Lean
beefs bc it comes from cows that are grain and grass fed only. Of course steak is high in
protein so helps that muscle building part. I love asparagus and need those nutrients from
them, and the sweet potatoe has carbs and great vitamins as well. Very easy to make, part
of a clean diet, and filling.
Tonight's
evening post-work out meal is the delicious Verde Chicken Enchiladas from the Body For
Life cookbook. The recipe and nutrition contents are here in the daily plate. I love
adding extra pico de gallo for additional veggies and hot sauce to keep my metabolism
grooving through the evening. 2 is plenty for a serving. We also as our secret ingredient
pre-cook, boil and shred the chicken then heat it with a kick of garlic. Anyone is
satisfied on this meal. I also love it for the leftovers. Great for lunch the next day
or breakfast with egg whites for a pre-workout boost. Enjoy!
There are SO many good post workout things in this super simple vegan salad...
I LOVE this recipe! I saw the idea for this in a book put out by PETA. The book was
geared towards college aged vegans with little time and few resources.
I tweaked it a bit to suit my tastes and added a special ingredient that I use to add to
real chicken salad…way back when I ate chicken.
Some of the Benefits:
Garbanzo beans, are complex carbs offering carbohydrates and protein in the same
package
Celery, replaces lost electrolytes and rehydrates the body
with minerals
Apples provide a natural energy boost
This recipe is VERY loose…no real measurements. I make it to ‘feel”.
Chi Chi Chickenless Salad
1 can of Garbanzo Beans (AKA: Chi Chi beans, Chick Peas, etc…) rinsed and drained
1 or 2 small handfuls of celery, finely chopped
1 – 2 small red apples, finely chopped
Lemon Juice
Veganaise to taste/texture preference
Sea salt and pepper to taste
With a fork, slightly mash the Garbanzo beans in a medium sized bowl. Add the Veganaise, a
teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Sprinkle some lemon juice
and then toss in celery and apples. Add sea salt and pepper to taste.
That’s it! So easy.
I like to just eat it with a fork but you could stuff a pita with it too…
Enjoy!
www.veggiemuse.com
I love living in Portland, OR. During these Summer months, the fruit is amazingly
fresh and I can go an pick my own any day of the week at the many amazing farms locally.
This greek yogurt from Zoi is especially special. The honey flavor is even more amazing
and with the trifecta of marionberries, blueberries and blackberries each bite is a taste
of heaven. Thanks for letting me share.

I combine what sounds good to me at the time, so be flexible and listen to what your body
needs. Add or delete anything that seems right to you. I really love the creaminess of the
avocado with the snap of the quinoa. Also, because I just throw this together, all
measurements are approximate. It’s always a good idea to start with less and add to,
it if needed
Quickie Quinoa Summer Salad
(Vegan)
3/4 cup of cooked quinoa, at room temperature
1 teaspoon veganaise
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
A drizzle of good quality olive oil
½ of an avocado, chopped into small chunks
½ of a tomato, chopped into chunks
A BIG handful of fresh basil, washed and chopped
*Optional – a few black olives, chopped Sea salt and pepper to taste if desired ( I
didn’t use any and it was still really tasty)
Gently toss all ingredients together in a pretty bowl and enjoy!
www.veggiemuse.com
My post workout snack is my own creation of grated apple and fat-free cottage cheese,
sprinkled with dried cranberries. It has fiber, protein, and good taste for very low
calorie count. The cranberries add a sweet and tangy flavor, and you don't even need a
full serving. If you use one apple, one half cup of fat-free cottage cheese, and half a
serving of cranberries, your caloric total will be just around 200. I love this snack
because it is very filling but not heavy on calories.
I have food alerfies so trying to make my own food things not alergic to .The other day I
made spegetti sauce> 1 pound of ground turkey, with diced tomatoes, tomatoes paste
and manwhich cooked with fresh, parsley, orgeno, rosemany and basil, salt and pepper.
Poured over a cup of mixed steamed veggies. Not fond of Veggies yet.. Chose not to use
the noodles.
I have only been on the program since July 31st and have lost 4 pounds. Have much more to
go and I have learned that beinging healthy is a good thing.
Stretched muscles. walked with a friend for 30 minutes. I am working my way back up to
walking my dogs 3 miles every morning. I had pulled some tendens in my knee so its a
slow process but soom I hope to be back on track.
Make it an awesome day!!! SalRose
2 La Tortila Factory WW Tortillas
3 oz of chicken
a sprinkle of taco seasoning to taste (I LIKE HOT & SPICY)
2lbs favorite salsa
Peppers and onion strips
sprinkle of colby jack cheese
Shredd or cut chicken, saute in HOT pan w/the peppers & onions, add the taco
seasoning a some water.
Split the chicken between the tortiallas, warm in microwave. YOu can put the salsa and
cheese inside or on top., either way...O SO GOOD.
Sandwiches: Pepperidge Farms Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Thins, A slice of Sargento Pepper
Jack, About 4 oz Chicken Beast each, Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Oats: 1 cup oats, 1 scoop cinnamon roll protein powder, 2 cups blueberries, ~1 cup
strawberries, ~1 cup peaches, ~1 serving butter toffee almonds
Yogurts: Chobani and yoplait light
meal comes out to about 1760 cals, 46 fat, 221 carbs, 131 protein
I will eat a bowl of
1/2 cup brown rice
1/4 cup black beans
1/4 of a tomato diced
1/4 of a red pepper diced and suateed in olive oil with the tomato and some jalapeno
3.5 oz of diced all natural organic chicken breast - baked in the oven with sea
salt/pepper/chili powder/paprika and lime juice
I pre cook the beans and rice, which lasts for 2-3 days and cook the chicken breast which
only takes 15 minutes in the morning or night before. It's a perfect blend of
carbs/proteins and fats (fats found in olive oil in which materials bake)
Picture will be uploaded to this post this afternoon
My post-workout breakfast this morning was a bowl of Apple and Cinnamon Oatmeal with a
sliced apple and cup of coffee. Easy and simple to fix at work. The carbs give me the
energy to make it through until lunch along with the fiber. As mentioned earlier,
I prefer to get more carbs in the morning, then increase my proteins throughout the day
to ensure that I have enough proteins while sleeping to rebuild muscle. This routine has
worked wonders for me over the past 10 months and I almost always have meals that are low
cal but satisifying. 270 cals, 60g carbs.

If anyone loves tomato + basil combinations as much as I do, this is a must try for
an after workout snack. This is just as good as any bruschetta you'd order in a
restaurant, except you can easily (and cheaply) whip it up at home in under 10
minutes. I love this recipe because it's light, contains complex carbs, a bit of
protein, and "good" fats. Not only that, but tomatoes are an awesome source
of antioxidants and calcium for happy bones.
http://www.livestrong.com/r
ecipes/bruschettaaaahh-good/

PB (All Natural) and Banana with a cold glass of Chocolate Milk. Just the right amount of
protien the body needs after a good workout. Plus the proven benefits of Chocolate Milk
as a recovery beverage and the potassium in the Banana certainly doesn't hurt either
(Tastes great too!).
...and I share it with my husband too, because he loves it... A Greek salad!
Fresh and refreshing for the Sumer, full of nutrients and vitamins. I usualy have it with
a slice of protein bread. Vine organic tomato, cucamber, onion, peppers, kaper, feta cheese, olives.
olive oil and herbs. It can also be a main course (it's almost always a main course for
me).
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I like this post workout because of the great flavors it provides, and it makes me feel
completely stuffed.
Broiled salmon with olive oil, cayenne pepper, & garlic atop raw spinach, steamed
cauliflower, asparagus & mushrooms with 1% cottage cheese.
Totals Cals - 288.9 Fat - 12 Chol - 72.5 Sodium - 529.4 Carbs - 16.85 Fiber - 5.6
Protein - 30.2 Sugars - 3.5
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This is one of my faves because after a tough workout session, it makes me feel
completely re-fueled and satieted. Broiled chicken breast with first cold-pressed
extra virgin olive oil, cayenne pepper, & garlic atop stir-fried veggies
(yellow/green/red peppers, mushrooms, red onion, broccoli, cauliflower, & asparagus)
mixed with a bit of low-fat cottage cheese. ![]()
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I understand that this is for post-workout food, but knowing I will have a long karate
workout ahead of me before going home tonight, I usually fix one of these sandwiches an
hour before I help instruct the kid’s class and two hours before my workout.

This is my favorite fast, easy, portable snack or post workout food. When I worked at
the hospital this was the best way to sneak in a quick, healthy, filling snack until I
could find time to take my lunch break. Its only moderate in protein at 10-13g depending
on how much peanut butter you use, and it has 11 g of fiber as well. Its still great
tasting and easy to make. Just take a low carb high fiber wheat wrap (LaTortilla Factory)
and spread 1-2 TBSP natural peanut butter down, place one small whole banana over peanut
butter, and roll it up. Its good warm or cold. Great for those on the go. Kids seem to
like them too!!
I've become hooked on this and make it almost every morning that I returned from my high
intensity boot camp workout. It's full of good carbs and protein, plus it's as delicious
as it is filling. It's sweet, rich, thick, and fantastic. Subbing in regular milk for soy
milk is perfectly fine. It adds a fair amount of sugar, but when you're feeling decadent
using chocolate milk is incredible!
http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/banana-peanut-butter-oatmeal-post-workout-shake/

I love this protein cake post-workout, pre-workout, for breakfast, or anytime really!
It's PACKED with protein and healthy carbs for recovery. It also has the option of being
egg-free & dairy-free for all those who may be vegan.
Personal Protein Cake
3/4 scoop protein powder (2-3 T)
1/4 cup wheat bran
1 T whole wheat flour
1 T oatmeal
1 tsp. baking powder
dash salt
1/2 cup milk (or water)
2 T yogurt (optional)
1 egg white (optional)
Preheat oven to 350*. Mix ingredients well into a ramekin and bake 20-25
minutes until slightly firm to touch.

My favorite way to enjoy it is smothered in peanut butter for some healthy fats, too!
Visit bitesandbliss.com for more healthy recipes!
Another great post workout food I enjoy is my Greek wrap with chicken and a Weight
Watchers mozzarella cheese stick. This is a great meal because its packed with protein and
fiber and has just enough carbs for me. Its not very high in calories or fat either. The
spinach gives those extra nutrients my body needs. I use a low carb high fiber wheat
tortilla (LaTortilla Factory Smart Delicious), 2 TBSP Athenos Greek Style hummus, 3 oz.
grilled diced chicken, and a handful of fresh spinach leaves. Wrap it all up and enjoy.
Sometimes I wrap the cheese stick in with it. Meal: 261 calories/ 10 g fat/ 17 carbs/ 8 g
fiber/ 33 g protein.
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1 cup red grapes and a container of low-fat yogurt, which is heavier on the sugar than I'd
like, but it's what's in the fridge. Interested to try the Chobani brand that everyone is
raving about!
Chobani is gooooood! Most Greek style yogurt tastes like sour cream, but not Chobani. The plain takes some getting use to and you'll want to add fruit or something to it, but the fruit flavors are really good. I don't eat them too often bc of the sugar as well. The vanilla is my favorite.
I love shopping at Aldi for their fit & active brand! I love the Fit and active cheese sticks, basically all protein!
Aldi is great, and I save a ton of money shopping there. I just picked up a box of Fit and Active Cinna-Swirl Drizzled Mini Crisps, like baby rice cakes of sweet goodness. 90 calories a pack, see if you can find them, they're great! I'm especially thankful that I can get a lot of great produce there without breaking the bank--fruits and veggies can be soo expensive!
I eat plain yogurt because as much as I LOVE flavored yogurt that is WAY too much sugar for me:( I like the plain as is but sometimes I add a little bit of honey and definitely fruit.
Personally I think the Chobani is very expensive and I find the Trader Joe's brand to be cheaper and have better nutritional values. So I became a fan, LOL! For example, the serving size is 1 cup, 227 grams. For Chobani, it is 170 grams. The TJ brand has 120 cal per serving and 6 grams of sugar (Chobani has 7g). Just though I'd share with other Greek Yogurt fans!
by slm31 on Aug 11, 2011 at 12:02 pm
And the winner is???? I see the challenge is over, but I was hoping they'd do a winner announcement or blog for that person. Everyone did a great job posting pics and recipes. I've even tried some of the items and they are good. Thanks for all the tips!