11. You eat the wrong things as a snack after working out (looking at you, protein shakes)

You might think that drinking a protein shake after a workout is a great way to boost your weight-loss, but that’s not necessarily the case. It’s true that protein shakes are an easy, convenient way to replace the fluids, carbohydrates, and protein you lose during an intense workout. However, protein shakes don’t contain any ingredients that will necessarily help you lose weight. If you drink a protein shake that contains more calories than you burned working out, you’re totally sabotaging yourself.

A store-bought protein shake can contain more than 170 calories; be sure you factor those calories in when calculating your daily intake. Protein is great for helping you build muscle, and muscle burns more calories than fat. However, it’s important to remember that this is just one aspect of weight-loss. Exercise likely increases your appetite, so it’s especially important to be mindful of how many calories you eat each day. It might sound obvious, but sometimes we forget that liquid calories count, too!

So, what should you eat after working out? It’s important to eat carbs and protein after working out to build muscle and replenish essential nutrients. A glass of milk, a container of yogurt, or an apple are some great options. Also, remember to rehydrate by drinking plenty of water. It’s okay to eat protein bars or drink sports drinks if you are mindful or just how many calories these so-called “workout foods” contain. Just because a product is marketed as good for working out doesn’t mean it’s low in calories.