“Discover the top 11 best hydrating and nourishing post-workout drinks to accelerate workout recovery including juice recipes packed with carbs, protein, and antioxidants.”
Best Juice For Muscle Recovery |
Table of Contents
·
Why
Post-Workout Nutrition Matters
·
Recovery Drink Goals
11 Best Hydrating and Nourishing
Post-Workout Drinks
- Tart
Cherry Juice
·
Nutrition
Facts
·
Recovery
Benefits
·
Tart
Cherry Protein Smoothie
- Chocolate
Milk
·
Nutrition
Facts
·
Repair
and Rebuild Muscles
·
Chocolate
Milkshake
- Coconut
Water
·
Nutrition
Facts
·
Hydration
Booster
·
Coconut
Lime Refresher
- Tomato
Juice
·
Nutrition
Facts
·
Anti-Inflammatory
Effects
·
Virgin
Mary Smoothie
- Orange
Juice
·
Nutrition
Facts
·
Immunity
Support
·
Orange
Julius Protein Smoothie
- Pineapple
Juice
·
Nutrition
Facts
·
Anti-Inflammatory
Enzymes
·
Piña
Colada Protein Smoothie
- Watermelon
Juice
·
Nutrition
Facts
·
Hydration
and Electrolytes
·
Watermelon
Slushy
- Apple
Juice
·
Nutrition
Facts
·
Antioxidants
·
Apple
Pie Protein Smoothie
- Beet
Juice
·
Nutrition
Facts
·
Nitrates
for Blood Flow
·
Beet
Tonic with Chia Seeds
- Chia
Fresca
·
Nutrition
Facts
·
Hydration
and Nutrients
·
Chia
Fresca Recipe
- Banana
Smoothie
·
Nutrition
Facts
·
Muscle
Repair and Potassium
·
Chocolate
Banana Smoothie
Tips for Post-Workout Nutrition
Conclusion
References
Best Juice For Muscle Recovery |
Introduction
- Why
Post-Workout Nutrition Matters
Proper post-workout nutrition
helps:
- Replenish
glycogen stores and energy levels
- Repair
damaged muscle tissues and fibers
- Rehydrate
and restore fluid balance
- Reduce
muscle soreness and stiffness
- Boost
protein synthesis for muscle growth
- Decrease
muscle breakdown and catabolism
- Blunt
cortisol to help anabolic hormones
Drinking the right nutrients soon
after training accelerates recovery.
2. Recovery
Drink Goals
The ideal post-workout drink
provides:
- Fluids
and electrolytes to rehydrate
- Carbs
to replenish glycogen
- Protein
for muscle repair and growth
- Antioxidants
to reduce inflammation
- Key
vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, potassium
Look for drinks that deliver a
combination of fast-digesting carbs, high quality proteins, anti-inflammatory
compounds, and hydration. Best Juice
Best Juice For Muscle Recovery |
11 Best Hydrating and Nourishing Post-Workout Drinks
1. Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherry juice offers a range of
muscle-restoring nutrients.
Nutrition Facts:
- 30mg
vitamin C - antioxidant
- Anthocyanins
and polyphenols - anti-inflammatory
- Melatonin
- promotes sleep
- Carbs
for glycogen restoration
- 420mg potassium – electrolyte
Benefits:
- Reduces
muscle damage and soreness
- Boosts
post-workout recovery
- Provides
antioxidant protection
- Improves sleep quality
Tart Cherry Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1
cup tart cherry juice
- 1
scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1
banana
- 1
cup spinach
- 1
tbsp almond butter
- 1/4
cup Greek yogurt
Directions: Blend until smooth. Drink within 45 minutes after your workout.
2. Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk provides the ideal
carb to protein ratio.
Nutrition Facts:
- 140-280
calories per 8oz
- 12-24g
protein
- 25-40g
carbs
- Calcium, vitamin D, potassium, vitamin A
Benefits:
- Contains
whey and casein proteins for muscle growth
- Fast
digesting carbs to replenish glycogen
- Electrolytes
including sodium, potassium and calcium
- Well absorbed by the body
Chocolate Milkshake
Ingredients:
- 1
cup chocolate milk
- 1
frozen banana
- 1
tbsp peanut butter
- 1
scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1
cup ice cubes
Directions: Blend until thick and creamy. Drink after your post-workout shower.
3. Coconut Water
Coconut water is nature’s sports
drink.
Nutrition Facts:
- 46
calories per cup
- 10g
natural sugars
- 600mg
potassium
- 60mg
magnesium
- Bioactive enzymes
Benefits:
- Superior
hydration from electrolytes
- Anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant properties
- Natural
source of energy
- Boosts
circulation
- Supports immunity
Coconut Lime Refresher
Ingredients:
- 2
cups coconut water
- Juice
of 1 lime
- Pinch
of sea salt
- 1
tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Ice
cubes
Directions: Stir to combine ingredients. Sip
chilled after exercise as a refreshing pick-me-up.
4. Tomato Juice
Tomato juice provides hydration
along with nutrition.
Nutrition Facts:
- 42
calories per cup
- 10g
carbs
- Vitamin
C, potassium, vitamin A
- Lycopene
- antioxidant
- Small amounts of protein
Benefits:
- Contains
electrolytes for hydration
- Anti-inflammatory
antioxidant lycopene
- Aids
muscle repair and growth
- Boosts glutathione production for detox
Virgin Mary Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2
cups tomato juice
- 1
scoop unflavored protein powder
- 1⁄2
avocado
- Juice
of 1 lemon
- 15
basil leaves
- 1
tbsp olive oil
- 2
dates, pitted
Directions: Blend until smooth. Drink within 45
minutes after your workout.
5. Orange Juice
Fill up on vitamin C and
antioxidants with orange juice.
Nutrition Facts:
- 110
calories per 8oz
- 25g
carbs
- 140%
DV vitamin C
- Folate,
thiamin, potassium
- Anti-inflammatory antioxidant hesperidin
Benefits:
- Boosts
immune function
- Reduces
oxidative stress
- Enhances
iron absorption
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Orange Julius Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1
cup fresh orange juice
- 1
scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1
frozen banana
- 1⁄2
cup Greek yogurt
- 1
tbsp chia seeds
- 4
ice cubes
Directions: Blend until frosty smooth. Enjoy
after exercise or any time.
6. Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice contains
inflammation-taming enzymes.
Nutrition Facts:
- 130
calories per cup
- 32g
carbs
- Over
100% DV vitamin C
- Manganese,
thiamin, vitamin B6
- Anti-inflammatory bromelain
Benefits:
- Reduces
exercise-induced inflammation
- Boosts
immunity
- Improves
digestion
- Supports wound healing
Piña Colada Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1
cup pineapple juice
- 1
scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1
banana
- 1⁄2
cup canned coconut milk
- 1
tbsp shredded coconut
- 1
cup ice
Directions: Blend until smooth. Enjoy chilled
after your workout.
7. Watermelon Juice
Watermelon juice provides fluid and
electrolytes.
Nutrition Facts:
- 80%
water
- Good
source of electrolyte potassium
- Vitamins
A, C, B6
- Amino
acid citrulline
- Lycopene – antioxidant
Benefits:
- Optimizes
hydration status
- Helps
reduce muscle cramps
- Provides antioxidant protection
Watermelon Slushy
Ingredients:
- 3
cups watermelon, cubed
- 1⁄2
cup coconut water
- 1
tbsp lime juice
- Small
handful mint leaves
- Ice
cubes
Directions: Blend together. Serve chilled after
your workout.
8. Apple Juice
The balanced nutrition in apple
juice aids recovery.
Nutrition Facts:
- 130
calories per cup
- 31g
carbs
- Vitamin
C, thiamin, calcium
- Antioxidants
catechin and quercetin
- Chlorogenic acid
Benefits:
- Replenishes
glycogen
- Provides
electrolytes
- Anti-inflammatory
effects
- Boosts glutathione detox
Apple Pie Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1
cup apple juice
- 1
scoop cinnamon protein powder
- 1
apple, chopped
- 1
tbsp almond butter
- 1⁄2
cup oats
- 1
tsp cinnamon
- 4
ice cubes
Directions: Blend until frosty smooth. Drink
after workouts.
9. Beet Juice
Beet juice enhances blood flow to
working muscles.
Nutrition Facts:
- 110
calories per cup
- 25g
carbs
- Folate,
manganese, potassium
- Nitrates that convert to nitric oxide
Benefits:
- Widens
blood vessels to boost circulation
- Improves
oxygen and nutrient delivery
- May enhance stamina and performance
Beet Tonic with Chia Seeds
Ingredients:
- 2
cups beet juice
- 1
tbsp chia seeds
- 1
tsp lemon juice
- Pinch
of sea salt
- Ice
cubes
Directions: Stir to mix. Consume chilled after
your training session.
10. Chia Fresca
Chia fresca supplies hydration
along with antioxidants.
Nutrition Facts:
- 100
calories per 16 oz
- 19g
carbs
- 5g
protein
- Omega-3s, calcium, antioxidants
Benefits:
- The
chia seeds provide hydration
- Electrolyte-rich
coconut water
- Omega-3s
reduce inflammation
- Antioxidant-rich ingredients
Chia Fresca Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4
cups coconut water
- 1
tbsp chia seeds
- 1
tbsp lime juice
- Pinch
of sea salt
- Ice
cubes
Directions: Stir well before drinking to distribute chia seeds. Enjoy chilled.
11. Banana Smoothie
Bananas offer potassium to support
muscle function.
Nutrition Facts:
- 110
calories per medium banana
- 30g
carbs
- 1g
protein
- 12%
DV potassium
- Vitamin C, vitamin B6
Benefits:
- Provides
electrolyte potassium
- Easy
to digest source of carbs
- Contains
serotonin for mood support
- Rich in antioxidants
Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2
frozen bananas
- 1
cup almond milk
- 1
scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1
tbsp almond butter
- 1
tbsp cocoa powder
- Ice
cubes
Directions: Blend until creamy smooth. Refuel muscles with this shake.
Tips for Post-Workout Nutrition
Strategies to optimize recovery:
- Consume
carbs and protein in a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio post-exercise.
- Eat
a high quality meal within 60 minutes after your workout.
- Have
a recovery drink within 30 minutes of finishing.
- Include
antioxidant-rich ingredients like tart cherries or berries.
- Get
adequate protein at each meal to promote muscle protein synthesis.
Proper nutrition before, during,
and after training allows for quicker muscle recovery and growth.
Conclusion
Post-workout drinks containing
hydrating fluid, electrolytes, carbohydrates, proteins, and anti-inflammatory
agents help restore energy, repair damaged tissue, and speed overall exercise
recovery. Use the best juices and smoothies to get the nutrients your body
craves after training hard.
References
Akerstrom TC, Birk JB, Klein DK,
Erikstrup C, Plomgaard P, Pedersen BK, & Wojtaszewski J. (2006). Oral
glucose ingestion attenuates exercise-induced activation of 5’-AMP-activated
protein kinase in human skeletal muscle. Biochemical and biophysical research
communications, 342(3), 949-955.
Gail Dutton (2021, August 17). 8
Post-Workout Drinks to Boost Recovery. Openfit.
Sousa M, Teixeira VH, Soares J.
(2014). Dietary strategies to recover from exercise-induced muscle damage.
International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 65(1), 151–163.
Wilkinson DJ, Smeeton NJ, Watt PW.
(2010). Ammonia metabolism, the brain and fatigue; revisiting the link.
Progress in neurobiology, 91(3), 200-19.
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