From protein shakes to chicken and rice, the question of what post-workout foods are good for you is an important one. If the maxim that bodies are made in the kitchen, not the gym, holds true, then arguably, your post-workout food is just as vital as the workout itself.

Naturally, scientists have long debated everything from the ideal post-workout chow to the best time to eat it. What all of this tends to miss is that if you’re to stand any chance of maintaining a healthy diet, your sustenance has to be at least somewhat appealing to the palette.

So, with apologies to white fish and veggies, this is our ranking of the best post-workout foods. From the less imaginative (but nutritionally sound) options to a bit more adventurous, we chart your recovery meal from nutritious to delicious.

Chickpea Salad

“A Mediterranean chickpea salad provides about 15g of protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth post-workout,” says Serena Poon, nutritionist and founder of brands Just Add Water & Culinary Alchemy. “Avocado contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, essential for nutrient absorption and reducing inflammation,” she continues. You also get a range of vitamins plus fiber from the veggies. Eat up.

Excitement factor: 3/10
Nutrition factor: 9/10

Elk

“After a five-hour session of surfing or a three-hour bike ride, I’m ready to eat,” says Laird Hamilton—possibly the best surfer in the history of the sport and founder of Laird Superfood. “High-quality protein like buffalo or elk with a ton of veggies and healthy fats such as avocado and unfiltered olive oil. If I can help it, I will load my mid or late-lunch meal with proteins and healthy fats.”

Excitement factor: Depends on your thoughts re: eating Bambi
Nutrition factor: 8/10

Breakfast Taco

“Consuming carbohydrates and protein after your workout allows your muscles to repair, rebuild, and recover properly,” says Ashleigh Kidd, dietitian at F45 Training. “You should aim to have a balanced meal with a focus on protein and fiber within an hour of ending your workout.” Breakfast tacos with black beans, scrambled eggs, and possibly extra egg whites are a winner.

Excitement factor: 8/10
Nutrition factor: 8/10

Canned Fish

“Recently, I’ve been particularly drawn to canned mackerel,” says Arina Kuzmina, an integrative health coach and nutritionist who tries not to eat anything until 45-60 minutes post-workout. “I know for some it doesn’t sound that delicious, but mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have been studied for their impact on metabolic rate, digestive system, immune system, cardiovascular health, and blood sugar levels. I like to make salads with it by mixing it with seasonal vegetables, some green leaves, and gluten-free bread.”

Excitement factor: 4/10
Nutrition factor: 7.5/10

Shrimp Stir-Fry

A favorite of students and middle-aged bachelors everywhere, the stir-fry is not without its nutrition credentials. “You get protein from the prawns, carbohydrates from noodles, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables,” says Jess Hillard, nutritionist at sports nutrition brand Warrior. Take that, mom.

Excitement factor: 7/10
Nutrition factor: 3/10

Homemade Granola

“After a cardio session, I like to have a bowl of homemade granola, which is full of good fats, high protein, and slow-releasing carbs—a perfect combination,” says Jane Mostowfi, a BANT-registered nutritionist. Mostowfi adds antioxidant-rich berries and gut-protecting Kefir. She also adds a scoop of protein powder, packing each serving with 25g of protein.

Excitement factor: 5/10
Nutrition factor: 6/10

Cottage Cheese

“My two go-to post-workout foods need to be high in protein as it’s the building block of muscle tissue and will help my recovery, and have quick-releasing carbs for replenishing lost energy stores,” says Alex Petitt-Ward, a PT and online coach. “I reach for cottage cheese as it’s super high in protein; you can get 30g-plus of protein from a 300g tub.”

Excitement factor: 1/10
Nutrition factor: 5/10

Beyond Meat Burger

“My favorite post-workout meal would have to be two Beyond Meat burger patties with a slice of Eat Lean protein cheese, a mixed salad with avocado, and a side portion of lime and coriander rice,” says Lee Bailes, trainer at F45 Surbiton. Bailes backs Beyond (other vegan alternatives are available) for its high protein content and great taste. It’s still a burger at the end of the day, but one without the beef.

Excitement factor: 7/10
Nutrition factor: 5/10

Coco Pops

Salads and cottage cheese sound good, but just like Petitt-Ward, we’d rather have a bowl of Coco Pops. “My favorite quick-release carbohydrate is an old-school cereal with semi or skimmed milk,” he says. “It’s a sweet treat without being super calorific, and skimmed milk is one of the best forms of hydration available to us.”

Excitement factor: Depends on how young at heart you are
Nutrition factor: 2/10

Banana, PB, and Syrup Wrap

Look, this has 497 calories, yes. But it also has 71g of muscle- and energy-boosting carbs, a very decent 15g of protein, and 18g of fat. “People forget about the importance carbohydrates have in rebuilding glycogen stores and facilitating muscle protein synthesis,” says P3RFORM coach Mitch Raynsford. This is exactly what you say next time your gym buddies are slagging you for turning gym day into pancake day. Maybe not every session, though, hey?

Excitement factor: 10/10
Nutrition factor: 3/10

This story originally appeared on British GQ with the title “The best post-workout foods, according to experts”.