3 Feel-Better Postworkout Foods
This Week's Tips
What's the best snack to grab after a major workout? How about a bowl of whole-grain cereal, a bite of Indian takeout, or a big nonfat latte.
Each nosh option has a special ingredient that may help your body recover better and nip postworkout pain in the bud.
The 3 Cs
What, exactly, do these snacks have that others might not? The three Cs: carbs, curcumin, and caffeine. A carb-rich snack like cereal can help you overcome fatigue by restoring glycogen -- that stuff your muscles use for energy. Curcumin, a substance found in the Indian spice turmeric, may help quell muscle inflammation. And caffeine from coffee may help block muscle-pain-producing substances. (Coffee has other health benefits, too. Read about them here.)
More Pain-Free-Exercise Tips
- Warm up first. (Here's the step-by-step way to do it.)
- Stretch, stretch, and stretch some more. (Check out the stretches recommended by Drs. Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen.)
- Take an aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug 2 hours before heavy physical activity (if your doctor says it's okay). (Find out which pain relievers are best for postworkout pain.)
New Look: Tell Us What You Think!
The RealAge Web site now has a new look and feel. Check out all the changes and then give us your feedback!
RealAge Benefit:
A physical activity program that builds stamina, strength, and flexibility can make your RealAge as much as 8.1 years younger.




