From protein tea to new shoes – how to recover and refuel after a big workout

CARDIO days, running sessions and weightlifting can be good for us all, but rest and recovery are also essential.

Rest days allow the body’s muscles to recover and repair themselves, which in turn increases strength.

And if you don’t refuel properly after a big workout, it can be harmful to your body.

Here, Jane Atkinson looks at ways to bring balance to your sporting life. . .

PROTEIN TEA

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We all go crazy for protein. And if you run, like those running through the streets today in the London Marathon, the power of protein should never be forgotten.

Within 30 minutes to an hour of finishing their workout, runners should ingest 15 to 30 grams.

Helps accelerate muscle repair, which can continue for up to 72 hours.

Myvegan has a brilliant new product, Clear Protein Superblend.

I tried the Peach Tea flavor, which has 18g of protein, five minerals and just 88 calories per serving.

It tastes amazing, just like peach tea, without being overly sweet or heavy.

It is also made from barley and rice recycled from the brewing industry, which would otherwise be wasted, as well as peach juice powder.

Currently £17.99 for 20 servings, myvegan.com.

Electrolytic powders

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The average athlete loses one to three liters of sweat per hour.

It’s mostly water, but also electrolytes that perform essential functions in the body to help regulate chemical reactions and maintain balance between fluids inside and outside cells.

So if you’ve lost them due to sweating, you need to replenish.

Hydration powder brand Liquid IV has launched in the UK.

Their electrolyte powders in travel sachets contain seven essential vitamins and minerals – B3, B5, B6, B12, C, sodium and potassium.

I tried the strawberry flavor, which dissolved easily and was great, with 45 calories per 16g stick.

The only downsides were the fact that the main ingredient was sugar and the lack of magnesium.

From £7.50 for six, Boots.com.

Shoe recovery

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YOUR feet kick hard during exercise. If you’re running a long distance, a recovery shoe is a great way to help decrease muscle fatigue, stiffness and soreness.

Oofos has just launched its Sport London slides, which have been designed to provide support and comfort to feet and joints during the recovery process, reducing the risk of injury.

They are said to absorb 37% more impact than traditional shoe foams.

They can also reduce energetic strain on the ankles by up to 20%.

They are so comfortable. I love that they allow your feet to move apart, but you can feel them massaging your arch as you walk, which is amazing after a run.

£65 oofos.co.uk.