Quick Dip: What Should I Eat After Swimming?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Fuel & Recovery  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Swimming uses energy and makes your muscles work. Food and drink afterwards give your body what it needs to recover.

Try to include some carbohydrate, often called carbs, and some protein. Carbs replace some of the fuel used during swimming. Protein helps your body grow and your muscles repair.

If you are having a meal soon after swimming, your usual meal may be enough. It could include pasta, rice, potatoes or bread with eggs, beans, fish, chicken or tofu. Fruit or vegetables can be part of the meal too.

If your next meal is not for a while, you could have a simple snack. This might be:

• yoghurt and a banana

• cereal with milk

• a cheese, egg, tuna or hummus sandwich

• toast with egg or beans

Choose foods you enjoy and can eat safely. A parent or carer can help you plan something that is easy to bring or have ready at home.

Keep drinking water after you leave the pool and remember to take your bottle home.

Food after training does not have to be a special shake or expensive sports product. Everyday food and drink can do the job.

Did you know? Your body keeps recovering for hours after training, so what you eat later matters too.

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team