After a hard workout or after completing a goal, it’s only natural to want to reward yourself. You deserve it! But getting into the habit of a hot fudge sundae after every 5k might not serve your health goals. We all crave certain foods when we're burning calories like crazy. These tips will help keep you on track while satisfying your cravings - and rewarding your hard work!
Keep healthy food handy
After all you have accomplished in your workout, you might be craving sugary, fatty, or calorie-dense food. After all, you just burned a lot of calories and your body needs the energy! But before you reach for that donut, fast-food, or ice cream, take a minute to appreciate the healthy habits you’ve been working so hard at.
It is important to have a post-workout snack or meal. You don’t want to starve your body of fuel. But a healthy snack like peanut butter on whole grain bread, a healthy energy bar, or a protein packed smoothie can help you stay on track with your healthy habits, both inside and outside the gym. Try to keep healthy food handy so you won’t over-reward yourself after a workout. Put an energy bar or some trail mix in your workout bag, or prepare a smoothie to have ready when you get home. Healthy treats will help you stick to your goals and give you the nutrient dense fuel you need to keep going.
Get your chocolate in smoothie form
Smoothies are a great post-workout treat, with a purpose! Bursting with fruits and veggies, smoothies can give you important vitamins and minerals along with healthy fats, fiber, and carbohydrates. Protein is hugely important to recovery, and getting that smoothie right after your workout will not only satisfy your cravings, it will help your body prepare for the next workout.
A major bonus is being able to get all of the good stuff in a smooth, creamy, and delicious package. Reward your sweet tooth with
Orgain Chocolate Mint Protein Smoothie, or if you are in a pinch for time, try the even easier
Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake Creamy Chocolate Fudge shake.
Protein bites are another great post-workout treat. Try these
No-Bake Peppermint Chocolate Protein Bites or
Orgain Chocolate Quinoa Protein Bites instead.
All of these options are awesome for making sure you can stay picky about your protein and indulge in a little chocolatey goodness after a tough workout.
Delayed gratification
Want to go out for brunch with your friends on Sunday? Earn it!
Sunday brunch can be a great reward after a busy week. But it can be hard to find the motivation to be active after a little bit of mid-day indulgence. Hit the gym beforehand. You’ll feel motivated and accomplished after completing a workout early in the morning, and you’ll be energized and ready for a brunch with your friends and family.
If you don’t have time for a workout before brunch, there are still plenty of ways to stay active even on a lazy Sunday. Try walking to brunch if you live close by, or going for a walk or hike after your meal. You don’t have to do an intense HIIT workout every Sunday (unless you want to!), just keep moving throughout the day. You can also enjoy a slower paced afternoon if you’ve already done your workout!
Rewarding yourself after a tough workout is a great way to motivate yourself, but you don’t want to overdo it. Keep up with healthy habits both inside and outside the gym to keep yourself on track. Stock up on healthy snacks and keep them handy in your purse, gym bag, and pantry to reward yourself without going overboard. Find healthy ways to incorporate what you’re really craving by adding chocolate to smoothies and protein bites. And if you know you’re going to indulge in a big brunch, try to workout before! These simple steps will help you treat yourself after all of your hard work day-to-day without losing ground on your overall goals.
