4 One-Pot Meals To Make After a Workout, According to a Registered Dietitian

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

• One box of lentil or chickpea pasta
• 2 cups chopped asparagus
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/3 cup pesto
• Chili flakes, optional

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions.
2. With two minutes left of cooking, add the asparagus and broccoli to the pasta pot.
3. Drain the pasta and veggies and stir in the pesto.
4. Top with optional chili flakes and serve.

Time: 15 minutes (or less)

Quick Tips:

Lentil or chickpea pasta contains more protein (a single, 1-cup serving of lentil pasta offers 21 grams of protein) than traditional whole grain pasta (a single, 1-cup serving contains 8 grams of protein). This is especially relevant for anyone who follows a plant-forward diet.

The protein from the lentil or chickpea pasta will help repair and support muscle growth — which is needed after the natural breakdown of muscle fibers that occurs during exercise. And, the complex carbohydrates found in these pastas help to replenish glycogen stores in muscles that might have been depleted during a workout.

Broccoli and asparagus make the meal hearty and add extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A note for vegans or those with lactose intolerance, consider purchasing store-bought pesto (without cheese) or making your own version at home.

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey or beef
• 4 cups coleslaw mix
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add sesame oil.
2. When the oil starts to shine, add in the ginger and garlic, sautéeing for one minute.
3. Add in the meat, breaking it up and sautéeing for five to seven minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Add in the coleslaw mix and soy sauce.
5. Sautée until the vegetables are soft.
6. Serve alone or with a side of rice.

Time: 20 minutes (or less)

Quick Tips:

Even though this dish calls for fewer than 10 ingredients, it’s not short of protein, vegetables, or flavor.

Use your preferred type of ground meat (turkey, beef, or even chicken) and if you are plant-based, extra firm tofu is a fine substitute.

Purchasing pre-bagged coleslaw mix spares extra chopping. However, if coleslaw isn’t available at the grocery store, reach for red and green cabbage as well as carrots to make your own.

Keep in mind that this recipe is very low in carbohydrates so for those completing a low-impact workout (such as light cycling or yoga), this dish might be suitable on its own, or without any additions. But, for workouts involving heavy weights or cardio sessions, it may be best to pair this dish with a side of rice to replenish the carbohydrates burned during high-impact, intense exercise.

(Related: 5 Healthy Apple Recipes To Try After Exercise, Say Dietitians)

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegetable broth, divided
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 2 cups peeled, chopped butternut squash
• 3 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup dry green lentils
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of the vegetable broth.
2. Add the onion, stir, and let cook for several minutes.
3. Add the butternut squash and cook for another five minutes.
4. Then, add the tomatoes, green bell pepper, tomato paste, lentils, chili powder, salt, pepper, and remaining broth.
5. Stir, reduce the heat to low, and cover with a lid.
6. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the contents have thickened and absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Serve.

Time: 40 minutes (or less)

Quick Tips:

Chili is a classic one-pot meal and this gluten-free, vegan version packs a ton of nutritional value from the lentils and vegetables. Lentils are a good source of plant-based iron and magnesium — nutrients that are important for overall health and for exercise performance.

This chili is also rich in complex carbohydrates from the lentils as well as antioxidants from the butternut squash and tomato. Consumption of foods rich in a variety of antioxidants may help to improve post-exercise recovery according to a 2022 review article in the journal, Nutrients. Keep the chili vegan by using vegetable broth. For meat eaters and vegetarians looking for a boost in protein, use bone broth.

(Related: Dietitian-Approved, High-Protein Snacks to Eat After a Workout)

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1 medium sweet potato, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups chopped, packed kale leaves
• 4 eggs
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 stalk green onion, sliced

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add coconut oil.
3. Once the oil is melted, add the sweet potato.
4. Cook for about four minutes undisturbed.
5. Once the potatoes are browned, flip them around and continue cooking for five more minutes.
6. Add the smoked paprika and red bell pepper and cook for another two minutes.
7. Then add the kale and cook until just wilted and remove the skillet from the heat.
8. Make four wells in the hash mix and crack eggs into each divot.
9. Season with salt and pepper and place in the oven to bake for about six to eight minutes, or until eggs have set.
10. Remove from the oven and garnish with avocado and green onion.
11. Divide onto plates and serve.

Time: 25 minutes (or less)

Quick Tips:

Hash isn’t just for breakfast. A hash is a quick and easy, one-pot meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

An excellent form of protein, eggs not only provide the protein in this dish but also add a robust amount of the essential amino acid, leucine. Leucine plays a critical role in the production of muscle proteins and two eggs provide roughly 1,000 milligrams of leucine, a dose that is right on target for promoting optimal muscle protein synthesis.

In addition to supporting peak muscle growth, this dish contains five different types of plants. Consuming a variety of plants is important for optimizing gut health. “Gut health” refers to the health of the entire gastrointestinal tract (and the healthy balance of the bacteria inhabiting the GI tract). For athletes who exercise regularly, paying attention to gut health may not only help performance but can also support recovery, too.

A vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free dish, this recipe is appropriate for most dietary needs.