Anyone who works out on a regular basis is aware that there are some dos and don’ts that come with it. When you are putting in the time and effort, you want to make the most of it. This also includes the food you eat before you start your workout. There are some things that you should not consume before doing so because they can tamper with your efforts and could also make you fall sick. What foods should you avoid? Some of the top ones are highlighted below.
Fiber-filled foods
There is no doubt that you should eat foods rich in fiber, such as oats and wholegrain bread, because they keep you full for longer and are also good for regulating your digestive system. However, you should not eat them before a workout because it will take a long time for your body to digest and this can result in gastrointestinal distress. You might face nausea, stomach cramps, gas and bloating during the workout, which can make it difficult to carry on.
Fizzy drinks
There is no nutrition in fizzy drinks and they are laden with sugar. Therefore, it should not be a surprise that they should be avoided before a workout. The carbonation and high sugar content can result in a sugar rush and make you feel bloated. You can also experience stomach cramps and nausea during your workout.
Nuts
Eating nuts is definitely healthy and they should be a part of your overall diet. But, they are a no-no before a workout because they have fats and can slow down your digestion. This means it will take you longer to digest a meal. If you have to eat nuts, consume them at least 1 and a half hour before you exercise.
Spicy food
While your taste buds may be satisfied with spicy foods, they should be avoided before a workout for several reasons. They can cause heartburn and indigestion and it can make exercising immensely painful, forcing you to abandon it. Spicy foods can also cause cramps.
Refined sugar
You can feel fatigued and lethargic if your system has an inadequate amount of carbohydrates and sugar. Therefore, you should be careful about the type of sugar you consume. Refined sugar is best avoided before a workout. It is better to consume fructose, which you can get from fruits and vegetables, or glucose, which is available in carbohydrate rich foods.
Cruciferous vegetables
It is necessary to include cruciferous vegetables in your diet, such as cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and broccoli, but they should not be consumed before a workout because they will wreak havoc. An indigestible carbohydrate called raffinosecan be found in these vegetables in high quantity, which can trigger excessive gas and bloating of abdomen.
Dairy
You should consume yogurt, cheese and milk after a workout and not before. This is due to the fact that they can cause lethargy because of the high fat content. In addition, they are also likely to increase the acid content of the stomach, so it is best to avoid it.
