It’s always important to replenish after a workout to make sure you’re staying hydrated and nourished.
From eating eggs for protein to drinking a sports drink for electrolytes, what you eat and drink after exercising is critical for restoring energy, building muscle, and replenishing fluids (via Verywell Fit).
Electrolytes are especially important to replenish after working out. Electrolytes are minerals found in the body that carry an electrical charge, and they are necessary for cell function (via Healthline).
We need both fluids and electrolytes for our cells, organs, and muscles to work properly, so hydration and electrolytes constantly need to be balanced. We lose electrolytes through sweat and urine, so if we’re dehydrated, our electrolyte levels are going to be imbalanced.
After a hard workout, replenishing these important minerals is crucial for staying hydrated. The average amount of sweat lost after a workout is 0.5-2 liters of sweat per hour, so drinking lots of fluids both before and after a workout is a good idea (via Verywell Fit).
It turns out that watermelon might be a good choice for both hydration and nourishment after a workout. Watermelon is naturally high in electrolytes, making it a tasty alternative to a sports recovery drink like Gatorade, according to Livestrong.
It contains seven percent of the daily values of potassium and magnesium, two percent of the daily value of calcium, and a whopping 25% of the daily value of vitamin C. It’s packed with a lot of other important vitamins and minerals, like B-complex vitamins, copper, and selenium. It also contains antioxidants like lutein and lycopene.
Watermelon isn’t packed with sugar like sports drinks are, and it is low in calories. It’s super hydrating (hence the name) and is actually 90% water (via Eat This, Not That). Watermelon is a snack that provides both fluids and electrolytes, helping to balance your hydration after a strenuous exercise session.
A small 2013 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry looked at Spanish athletes who drank watermelon juice after a workout. Researchers found it could even help with muscle soreness. Try reaching for a slice of watermelon instead of a bottle of Gatorade after your next workout.