Achy muscles after a workout, or the first few workouts after a long break from exercising, is normal and can even be healthy.
Good muscle soreness is a sign that you are pushing your muscles to their limits. 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. This breaking down and repairing of muscles actually makes them stronger.
Healthy muscle soreness usually peaks between 24 and 48 hours after exercising and then it eases. If the pain lasts any longer, get it checked out by a doctor.
So if your muscle soreness is good, what can you do to help ease the aches and make it easier to stick to your new exercise regime? Sanitarium’s dietitians have shared a list of budget-friendly whole foods that contain important nutrients to aid in muscle repair and ease muscle soreness.
While no single food or nutrient will prevent muscle soreness, eating a well-balanced diet, including some of the following foods, may help with muscle recovery after your next gym workout:
1. Wholegrains
Eating quality carbs, like wholegrain bread or cereals e.g. Weet-Bix, 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. Ricotta or cottage cheese
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. Seeds
Flax seeds, hemp seeds and chia seeds are all plant sources of omega-3. 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. Other plant sources of omega-3 include soybeans, walnuts, seaweed, leafy greens and wheatgerm.
