After a run, it is easy to fall onto the couch with a bag of potato chips instead of taking the time and energy to prepare a well-rounded meal. However, this is the best time to make sure your food is aiding your workout and recovery, not deterring it. Instead of pushing yourself to make a big meal after already pushing yourself to finish a hard run, find healthy snacks to sustain yourself. Here are five easy and tasty snacks to grab after your run instead of potato chips!

Sour Cherries

Sour cherries have a wonderful tartness to help satisfy your post-run cravings. Besides satisfying your hunger, Runner’s World shared that sour cherries have been shown to work as a natural painkiller. Though they are rarely found in grocery stores, you can stock up on these small cherries at farmers’ markets. Sour cherries don’t lose any nutritional value when frozen which makes them a great snack to keep in your freezer year round.

Edamame

Soy has numerous nutritional benefits that are good for any healthy eater, but its post-workout value makes it must-eat for runners. Soy protein helps to promote muscle recovery following exercise. An easy way to get your quick soy fix is from edamame, young soybeans. Easily found in the frozen section of most supermarkets, edamame is easy to heat up for a salty fix.

Yogurt

Running is good for improving bone density, especially when paired with plenty of calcium. Grab a pack of low-fat yogurt after a run to fill yourself up while strengthening your bones. Make sure to check the calories and fat content in your yogurt before choosing what brand is right for you. FoodFacts.com recommends Yogourmet minipacks, due to their low calories and the absence of saturated fat and cholesterol. Create your own yogurt at home by just adding milk. Toss in a couple sour cherries to help ease your post-workout pain.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are often overlooked as only a Thanksgiving treat, but without the marshmallows and brown sugar piled on top they can be a great snack year round. Sweet potatoes contain two important minerals: manganese and copper. Runners often don’t get enough minerals, which are necessary for healthy muscle function. For a quick snack, microwave the potato with a bit of low-fat cheese.

Chocolate

Even healthy eaters have a sweet tooth. After an extra hard run, treat yourself with a piece of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, so a small piece has its benefits.