While eating right before a massage appointment is never a good idea, having a healthy snack afterward is highly encouraged. But what type of snack should you be looking for?
I recommend something high in nutrients and minerals and most importantly, whichever snack you choose to eat — pair it with a lot of water. Hydration works to flush out the toxins released from your massage. Here are 10 healthy snack ideas to consider after your next massage.
Frozen Blueberries & Almond Butter
Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C which are just what the doctor ordered post massage. Combine some frozen blueberries with almond butter which contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats as well as vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.
Mashed Banana & Avocado
Bananas are another fruit loaded with heart healthy nutrients. In addition to Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, bananas contain large amounts of fiber and potassium. But sometimes, bananas take a little while to ripen.
In that case, smash them together with an avocado, which contains high levels of healthy, beneficial fats, plus other great things like Vitamins C, E, K, and B6. Then to elevate the snack, mix in some walnuts or almonds to add some crunch.
Avocado Toast
When you think of a post massage meal, keeping it nutrient high but not too dense is important. You want to lengthen that light and relaxed feeling for as long as possible. Avocado toast is the perfect combination of healthy fats with the addition of bread that works to fill you up without being too heavy.
Oven Roasted Broccoli and Parmesan
One of my specialities is deep tissue massage which can be involved and leave the muscles feeling sore afterward. Broccoli has been shown to help reduce the pain of sore muscles. It also is full of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and folic acid. To add some zest, cup up your broccoli and sprinkle it with lemon, freshly minced garlic and parmesan cheese and bake for 15 minutes at 375 F.
Trail Mix
I love trail mix because every bag looks different depending on the person eating it. I personally love trail mix with lots of walnuts and dried mango and bananas, while others choose more savoury nuts like peanuts or almonds. Either way, trail mix is a good source of protein and you guessed it… heart healthy fats. Just avoid the ones with processed sugar (like smarties).
Simple Post Massage Rules
At the end of the day, sticking to some simple rules will help you soak up the after-glow benefits of your massage long after you have left the table.
After Your Massage:
Drink a LOT of water: During your massage, I am moving and manipulating your muscles which causes substances to release. Drinking a lot of fluid helps your body flush those materials out.
Avoid carb heavy or rich meals: Post massage, go for something light and nutrient dense. Avoid things like pasta, heavy sauces or greasy grab-and-gos.
Stretch it out: Stretching after a massage appointment keeps your joints flexible and helps you maintain that loose feeling in your muscles and tissues. It’s also just great for flexibility.
Still have questions about your next massage, like what to wear or how to prepare. Check out my FAQ where I answer most of the basic questions new patients to massage often have.