10 Foods You Should Never Eat Before a Workout
By sidranoreen
Fueling your body with the right foods before a workout will give you the energy and strength to perform well. But there are also some foods that you should never use before a workout because they can cause several health problems like bloating, stomach upsets and will affect your workout ability.
Here are the top 10 foods that you should never eat before a workout.
#10 Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower are healthy vegetables and contain anticancer properties while they also contain sulfur that can cause gas in some people. These vegetables are also high in raffinose which is an indigestible carbohydrate, so eating a bowl of cruciferous veggies before a workout can cause abdominal bloating and excessive gas.
#9 Dairy products
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt should not consume before working out. Because they are rich in fat and can cause you to feel lethargic and can also raise your stomach acid during a workout. They can also make you feel extra gassy. Some people have lactose intolerance, they are unable to digest dairy products so in that case consuming dairy products before workouts can lead to stomach upsets and bloating.
#8 Avocados
Although avocados are rich in unsaturated fats you should avoid them before a workout. They are also high in fiber and this combination takes a longer time to digest in the body and can result in stomach cramps.
#7 Spicy Foods
While spicy foods satisfy your taste buds but it’s best to avoid them before exercise. Because they can cause indigestion or heartburn which can result in pain and then you have to leave workout. Spicy foods can also lead to cramping which can force you to skip workouts or will affect your efforts you are trying to put in.
#6 Fiber-rich foods
Generally, foods high in fiber like such as wholegrain bread, whole-wheat pasta, and oats give you feelings of fullness for a longer time and regulate your digestive system. However, before a workout, you should avoid these foods as they take a longer time to digest and can cause gastrointestinal distress. This distress can result in bloating, nausea, gas, and stomach cramps.
#5 Nuts
Nuts are rich in healthy fats and are an important part of our diet. Eating foods rich in fats like nuts before exercise can disturb your workout. Because fats slow down the process of digestion and fatty meals take a longer time to digest. Before a workout, your food should be fully digested and ready to use as fuel. So if you want to add fats to your diet then you should take it before two hours of exercise.
#4 Refined Sugars
High-sugar foods and carbohydrates before a workout can cause lethargy and fatigue, especially when you’re exercising. You should avoid refined sugars found in manufactured products. Instead of refined carbs, you can take glucose or fructose found in fruits and vegetables. Your body will use these sugars for more effectively.
#3 Carbonated beverages
Carbonated drinks contain higher amounts of sugars so they are a poor choice for pre-workout drinks. Their high sugar content and carbonation expand with stomach gas and can cause discomfort, indigestion, and flatulence. It can also cause stomach cramps and nausea during your workout.
#2 Alcohols
Alcoholic beverages have diuretic properties and they slow down the process of fat oxidation makes it harder to achieve body composition goals. Drinking too much alcohol can make you unconscious. Of course, exercising under the influence can cause injury.
#1 Fried or fatty foods
Fried foods like burgers, fries, and pizza should be avoided before going to the gym. Because Fried foods contain saturated fats and take a longer time to digest and can cause bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.