16 Post-Workout Slow-Cooker Recipes That’ll Have You Feeling Great
StyleCaster Editors
If you like to work out and have been doing it for a while, you know that it’s important to eat healthy food to fuel up and recover. The problem is you don’t always feel like whipping something up when you’re tired post-workout. Enter: post-workout slow-cooker recipes that you can make ahead of time in batches. Just reheat and eat whenever you’re ready for them.
You may be wondering what makes something a good post-workout choice. The truth is that depends on several things. If you usually work out right before mealtime, you’re going to refuel with a full meal. If your workouts usually fall right after breakfast or early in the afternoon, you’ll probably want to eat a snack that’ll tide you over until lunch or dinner. If you’re a morning exerciser, your post-workout fuel will be breakfast food, whereas people who refuel in the evening will do so at dinner.
In terms of what kind of foods you should be eating, that also depends. Some people might want to refuel with mostly carbs, others with mostly protein, and many with a combination of both. The post-workout slow-cooker recipes below span all of these options, so you can choose what’s best for you depending on your preferences.
Chicken and Rice
This tasty chicken and rice provides a balance of carbs and protein—plus, nutrient-rich veggies.
Banana Bread Oatmeal
If you’re a morning workout person, treat yourself to some already-cooked post-workout banana oatmeal.
Frittata With Kale, Roasted Red Pepper, and Feta
If you want to fuel up with a low-carb option, this frittata is packed with protein and veggies.
Baked Apples
These simple, fiber-rich baked apples provide plenty of healthy carbs. Serve one over yogurt for breakfast or eat one as a less-sweet dessert in the evening.
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Dessert for post-workout breakfast? Yes you can with this make-ahead pumpkin pie oatmeal.
Rice and Beans
Together, rice and beans provide all nine essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein), making them a great meatless post-workout choice. The dish is also rich in healthy carbs.
Sweet Potato Stew
This hearty, filling sweet potato and beef stew is a great thing to come home to after a particularly tough evening workout, especially if you’ve been outside in the cold.
Maple and Raisin Porridge
If you really want to get cozy after a morning run, opt for carb-rich maple and raisin porridge.
Sweet Potato Chicken Curry
This sweet potato chicken curry is a complete meal on its own, but serving it over rice will make it even more filling.
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Keep a batch of sweet potato turkey chili in your freezer, and you’ll never be scrambling for a tasty and filling post-workout meal.
Butternut Squash Soup
The best thing about this nutrient-packed butternut squash soup is that you can eat it with a spoon or drink it from a thermos on the go.
The Best Lentil Soup
Warm, filling, and vegetarian-friendly, this lentil soup is great for anyone who can’t stomach anything too solid after a workout.
Kale and Sweet Potato Lentil Stew
If you want something hearty but not too rich, this veggie-packed stew is a good one to have in your arsenal.
Balsamic Salmon and Sweet Potatoes
If you want to come home to a square meal after your workout, this recipe of fish and potatoes fits the bill.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
You might not think of spaghetti and meatballs as the healthiest choice, but opt for lean beef or turkey and you’ll actually get a great balance of carbs and protein, without too much saturated fat.
Quinoa Energy Bars
If you just need a quick snack after your workout, a batch of these slow-cooker energy bars will do the trick.
