Post recovery

[Kris111]

Is it ok to just have coffee to recover after a workout and it be fine to restore whatever? I've read it works when I Google but not sure. 

For awhile I didnt believe in doing much for recovery but to eat or drink when I was hungry until I started getting super tired after my workouts to the point of not being able to move I discovered I should be giving protein but I never used to get that way and I use to drink coffee after a workout I think. 

[Dominique]

Coffee is a stimulant, so it would be better indicated as something you would take pre-workout (to give you extra energy and perform better during your workout). It has no nutrients (unless you add caloric stuff like sugar, milk, cream etc.). Protein is indicated if your aim is to build muscle, i,e, resistance training is an important part of your workout routine. OTOH, total protein intake during the day is more important than timing it precisely in connection with your workouts: the so-called "anabolic window", during which muscle protein synthesis occurs, if much wider than previously thought; in practice, this means there’s no need to rush to get your protein post-workout. If your workouts are so long and intense they depleted your glycogen stores, you need to replenish them (= eat carbs). OTOH, your normal meals will likely do it.

You didn’t mention what kind of workouts you’re doing, nor what are your general goals with them.  

[SunsetRunner]

You may need a post workout. Try something high carb or something with dextrose like gummy bears. It will restore the glycogen you have used up in your workout which could be why you are getting tired after your workout.

[emili]

have you recently changed the level of activity? If you are doing similar to what you have always done and lately feel that bad after, you may want to consider an evaluation with your doctor, or taking some time off to see if there is something else happening. 

[MechEMom]

If you're feeling super tired after a workout, you likely need something with calories, not caffeine, and possibly during the workout, in addition to after.

I drink dilute gatorade (about 50 calories worth) during the last 30 minutes of a 60-minute intense workout like a spin class, then follow it up with some chocolate milk if I'm not about to eat a meal directly after showering.

If I'm doing a longer workout, like a 50-mile bike ride, I bring dilute gatorade (1:1 with water) and match it bottle-for-bottle with plain water, intaking about 100-200 calories per hour, depending on the intensity of the exercise.

I like using chocolate milk as a post-workout because it has a reasonable balance of carb/fat/protein for a post-workout, is readily available at grocery stores and gas stations, and it's tasty!