When we exercise, our muscles use a significant amount of energy. They pull from our body’s glycogen storage of energy to get the strength to work harder. Glycogen is the final result of the transformation of carbohydrates, which provide energy to our bodies. For people who exercise and work out, storing glycogen is important to help your muscles repair and prepare for your next exercise. But how do you replenish glycogen stores after a workout?

Consuming carbohydrates after working out is the best way to restore glycogen. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body. They’re turned into glucose, which is then turned into glycogen, which provides your muscles with the necessary energy to push further. Without enough glycogen stores, your muscles would not have enough energy to exercise. After a workout, drink a meal replacement shake with sufficient carbs, protein, and other nutrients to help restore glycogen levels and aid in muscle repair.

ENU Nutritional Shakes offer vital nutrients to help your body post-workout. Our shakes contain complex carbohydrates that help restore glycogen levels. They also have the necessary ingredients to prepare your muscles for the next time you exercise. With 400 calories and 20 grams of hydrolyzed whey protein per serving, ENU Nutritional Shakes can help your body get ready for your next workout.

Can Meal Replacement Shakes Replenish Glycogen Stores After a Workout?

Choosing the right meal replacement shake for your post-workout needs is important. Glycogen is crucial when exercising, as it is the energy store your muscles pull from for that extra boost. A meal replacement shake with the right ingredients can help you replenish glycogen stores for the next time you exercise.

Glycogen comes from carbs. Without carbohydrates, your body wouldn’t have as much energy. The most fast-acting energy nutrients – carbs – are essential for performance during a workout. They’re crucial in maintaining glycogen levels, too. That’s because the carbs you ingest are ultimately turned into glycogen, which stores energy for your body. A meal replacement shake with a good balance of carbs, like ENU Nutritional Shakes, can help you replenish glycogen stores after a workout.

Drinking an ENU Nutritional Shake immediately post-workout can help your body prepare for the next time you exercise. With 46.2 grams of carbs per serving, ENU Nutritional Shakes can help you refill your body’s glycogen stores.

How Can Protein Help Replenish Glycogen Stores After a Workout?

While protein isn’t a carbohydrate, it can aid in maintaining glycogen levels longer. When paired with carbs, protein can increase glycogen storage in the body during exercise recovery. Insulin in the body stimulates glycogen storage. When paired with carbs, protein can provoke a greater insulin response, urging your body to store more glycogen.

So, choosing a meal replacement shake that offers high protein and carbohydrates levels can help you replenish glycogen stores after a workout. ENU Nutritional Shakes have 20 grams of protein per serving. Our shakes contain hydrolyzed whey protein, which has its own health benefits.

Whey protein is easily dissolvable, virtually tasteless, and is the protein source with the highest levels of leucine. Leucine is an essential amino acid that aids in muscle repair and endurance. While glycogen provides energy to your muscles, leucine helps them to recover and gain strength. Both substances are critical to workout performance.

How to Replenish Glycogen Stores After a Workout When You’re Gluten-Free

If you’re gluten-free, you may be concerned that you’re not able to easily replenish your body’s glycogen storage. It’s a common misconception that carbohydrates and gluten are intrinsically linked. We often think about carbs coming from gluten-rich things, like bread. However, the two aren’t as related as you might think.

Though some gluten-free products may have lower carbohydrates, it doesn’t apply to every gluten-free option out there. ENU Nutritional Shakes contain 46.2 grams of carbs per serving, despite being gluten-free. They can help replenish glycogen stores, all the while remaining a gluten-free product.

Gluten can be difficult to digest because it is resistant to protease enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down proteins (yes, gluten is a protein) in your digestive tract. For people with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues, going gluten-free can prevent bloating and nausea. But being gluten-free doesn’t mean you can’t get the carbs required to replenish glycogen stores. When opting for a gluten-free meal replacement shake to help your body restore energy sources, make sure it’s high in carbohydrates. Products low in carbohydrates may not be able to replenish glycogen stores in your body to the same degree.

How to Replenish Glycogen Stores After a Workout on a Low-Carb Diet

Some people opt for a low-carb diet to lose weight. If that’s the case, it’s still important to consume some carbs to restore glycogen levels. Appropriate glycogen storage can give your body energy and help your muscles during a workout, so it’s necessary to maintain glycogen if exercising.

A low-carb diet doesn’t mean no carbs. If you choose to go on a low-carb diet, you still need to consume some carbohydrates to give your body energy. Complex carbohydrates can give your body energy over a longer period and are necessary to restore glycogen levels. For people on a low-carb diet, drinking a meal replacement shake after a workout may help. A meal replacement shake with sufficient protein can help begin replenishing glycogen stores in your body so that you have energy for the next time you exercise.

Going on a low-carb diet should be discussed with a medical professional. A doctor can help advise the safest, healthiest way to incorporate a low-carb diet into your lifestyle while also ensuring that your glycogen levels are healthy.

Use Pro 3+ Nutritional Powder to Help Replenish Glycogen Stores After a Workout

To help your body restore its glycogen supply after a workout, consider adding Pro 3+ to your diet. Visit ENU’s website today to purchase Pro 3+.