Fueling your body before and after a strenuous workout is crucial for minimizing soreness and re-energizing your muscles. After a long training run or a high-intensity cardio day at the gym, your body is depleted of its stored energy, and your muscles need to replenish this glycogen as soon as possible in order to recover in time for your next workout. Eating snacks that combine protein and carbohydrates are best for nourishing your muscles the right way.
Just ask our TIME colleagues — including TIME International Senior Editor Bryan Walsh and LIFE.com Photo Editor Liz Ronk — who are both training for half-marathons this fall. Walsh’s snacks of choice include pretzels and crackers and cheese, while Ronk noshes on granola bars or apples with peanut butter for a quick refuel.
We also asked fitness gurus Barbara Lewin, a registered dietitian and sports nutritionist who works with professional endurance athletes, and Jenny Hadfield, running and fitness expert and author of Running For Mortals, for their advice on the best pre- and post-workout snacks.