Top Post-Workout Foods for Faster Recovery After an intense workout, your body is in need of nutrients to recover and rebuild muscle tissue. Post-workout nutrition is crucial to rehydrate, replenish glycogen stores, and repair muscles. Here are some top post-workout foods that will speed up recovery and help you get stronger. 1. Protein Shakes with Whey Protein Whey protein is one of the fastest-absorbing proteins that can rapidly enter the bloodstream, making it a perfect post-workout supplement.