Foods To Avoid Before Your Workout : Working out can be one of the most rewarding activities you can do for your body, but the wrong food before a workout can prove to be detrimental. Eating certain foods can cause energy crashes, stomach issues, and digestive problems, which can be a major distraction from getting the most out of your workout. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your workout, it’s important to know which foods you should avoid before you exercise. Here are 10 foods to avoid before your workout to help you reach your fitness goals.
1. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are a big no-no when it comes to eating before a workout. Artificial sweeteners contain zero calories, but they can also lead to an energy crash. Artificial sweeteners can cause an insulin spike in the body, leading to a crash shortly after. This crash can make it hard to focus on your workout and can lead to fatigue. Additionally, artificial sweeteners can cause dehydration, which can hamper your ability to perform at your best. So if you’re looking to have a great workout, make sure to avoid artificial sweeteners before hitting the gym..
2. Dairy Product
It is common knowledge that having a balanced diet is an integral part of any successful workout routine. But, one should remember that it is just as important to know which foods to avoid before a workout. Dairy Products are one of those foods that you should be avoiding before a workout session. Dairy Products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese and cream, can take a long time to digest and can cause stomach discomfort or cramping during a workout. This could lead to an uncomfortable and ineffective session. Therefore, it is better to steer clear of Dairy Products before going to the gym.
3. Heavy Carbs
Carbs are essential for energy and performance, but if you eat too many before a workout, you’re more likely to crash. If you eat more than 5 grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight before a workout, your blood sugar levels will spike, causing you to crash before you finish. Eating a moderate amount of carbs before a workout can help you perform at your best. Ideally, you should eat about 1 to 1.5 grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight.
For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should eat around 150 to 225 grams of carbs before your workout. When it comes to pre-workout carbs, you want to choose foods that are high in fibre. Fibre helps regulate your blood sugars, so you don’t experience a spike and crash. Whole grains, beans, and veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots are all good options.
4. Carbonated Beverages
Carbonated beverages like soda and sparkling water have little to no nutritional value, and they can actually harm your body. Carbonated beverages can cause bloating, gastric reflux, and cramping. The carbonation in sparkling water can also cause your blood sugar to rise and fall very quickly, which can lead to energy crashes and dizziness.
Sparkling water can be better for you if you add some lemon or lime to it, as citrus fruits contain limonine, which has been found in studies to slow down the rate at which the body breaks down sugars. If you’re going to drink something before your workout, it’s best to reach for water or unsweetened tea. Sports drinks can be a good option if you’re exercising for more than 90 minutes, as they contain electrolytes that can help prevent dehydration.
5. Too Much Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can give you a boost before a workout, but too much can be harmful. Consuming over 500 milligrams of caffeine before a workout can lead to restlessness, nervousness, and irritability. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, even half that amount can have negative side effects. If you’re a regular caffeine user and want to continue drinking it before your workouts, make sure you’re not exceeding the recommended daily dosage of 400 milligrams per day.
If you’re just beginning a caffeine habit, it’s best to avoid it before workouts. If you don’t want to give up caffeine, tea and coffee are better options than energy drinks, which are often packed with sugar and other additives. You can also try pre-workout supplements, which are often caffeine-free.
6. Bananas
Bananas are a great pre-workout snack for people with sensitive stomachs, but they’re not the best before a workout. Bananas are full of carbs and easy to digest, but they don’t provide your muscles with the nutrients they need to perform at their best. If you want to eat a banana before a workout, you should avoid eating a banana that’s been sitting in the fridge, as the cold temperature will slow down your digestion.
You can also try out this trick: eat 1/2 of a banana before your workout and save the other 1/2 for after. Eating half before and half after will give your body enough time to digest, while the carbs will offer you the energy to perform at your best during your workout.
7. Beans
If you need a quick, protein-packed snack before a workout, beans are a good option. But if you eat a meal that’s heavy in beans before a workout, you might feel bloated and crampy. The best pre-workout meals are high in protein, fibre, and veggies. Beans are high in protein and fibre, but they lack in veggies. Eating beans alone can make you feel sluggish, as they take longer to digest than other types of protein. Pair beans with veggies and whole grains for a filling, balanced meal.
8. Avocados
Avocados are a superfood that’s rich in healthy fats and fibre, making them a great pre-workout snack. Avocados are easy to digest, so you won’t get bloated or crampy soon after eating them. They’re also high in protein, which will help you stay full and focused during your workout. If you love avocados, you can add them to salads or make a quick sandwich. Be sure to save the other 1/2 of the avocado for after your workout to prevent bloating.
9. Salad
Salads are easy to make, take no time to digest, and are packed with fibre and nutrients. If you eat a salad with plenty of protein, fibre, and veggies, you’ll feel full and energized for hours. Salad is a clean way to get your pre-workout carbs, but some salads come with heavy dressings that can weigh you down. Make sure you choose a salad with light dressing, or you can even go salad-less and add some raw veggies to a protein shake. These 10 foods to avoid before your workout will help you perform at your best while reaching your fitness goals.
Make sure you’re eating the right amount of carbs, getting enough protein, and eating enough fibre to keep your metabolism high and avoid cramping. It’s also important to choose healthy fats like avocado or nuts. By following these tips, you can make sure your body is ready to perform at its best. By knowing what not to eat before your workout, you can ensure that you’re eating the right foods for your body and reaching your fitness goals.
10. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of the foods you should definitely avoid before your workout. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is high in fiber and can cause digestive issues if eaten before exercise. It is also high in FODMAPs, which can make it difficult for the body to digest during physical activity. Eating cauliflower can also cause bloating and gas, which can be uncomfortable when exercising.
Additionally, cauliflower is high in complex carbs, which can be difficult for the body to digest when trying to get the most out of your workout. All in all, cauliflower is best avoided before a workout in order to ensure optimal performance and avoid any digestive discomfort.
Also Read : The Risks Of Eating Fast Food – Everyone Should Know