Your body needs protein and carbohydrates for muscle development, energy and recovery after a workout, no matter what time of day it is. Late-night snacking may be billed as a big no-no, but your health and sleep will depend on replenishing your glycogen stores and getting the right nutrition.
What should I eat after a late-night workout?
- Yogurt. Most dairy-based foods are a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that your body uses to produce serotonin and melatonin, which both help induce sleepiness.
- Almonds.
- Quinoa.
- Turkey.
- Oatmeal.
What happens if you don't eat after a workout at night?
Skipping post-workout refueling can leave you feeling tired and foggy, and can get in the way of recovery. "Some people will just feel fatigue, and some people can get disoriented from low blood sugar," Jennifer Beck, M.D., sports medicine specialist and pediatric orthopedist at UCLA, tells SELF.Jan 2, 2019