9 Foods to Avoid Before a Workout, According to Science
It is well-known that what you eat before a workout can have a significant impact on your performance. However, with all of the conflicting information out there, it can be hard to know what foods to avoid before working out.
This article will provide you with a list of 9 foods to avoid before a workout, according to science. We will also explain why you should avoid these foods and offer some alternative options. By the end of this article, you will know exactly what to eat (and what to avoid) before your next workout!
What Are the 9 Foods To Avoid Before a Workout, According to Science?
Before working out, it's crucial to provide your body the necessary nutrients. However, some foods can hinder your performance and leave you feeling sluggish and tired.
Here is a list of nine foods to avoid before a workout, according to science.
- High-fiber foods: These include whole grains, nuts, beans, and certain fruits and vegetables.
- Processed snacks: This includes pre-packaged snack bars and processed energy drinks.
- Sugary drinks: This includes sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened iced teas.
- High-fat foods: This includes fried foods, greasy burgers, and French fries.
- Dairy products: This includes whole milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
- Alcoholic beverages: This includes beer, wine, and distilled spirits.
- Sugary desserts: This includes sweets like cake, cookies, brownies, and pie.
- Spicy foods: This includes dishes with hot peppers, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Processed meats: This includes bacon, sausage, and deli meats.
Why Should You Avoid These Foods Before Working Out?
These types of foods should be avoided before a workout for various reasons. High-fiber foods are slow to digest, which can lead to indigestion, cramps, and other stomach issues during your workout. Processed snacks and sugary drinks can cause blood sugar spikes, leading to energy crashes later on. High-fat foods are difficult to digest, leaving you feeling sluggish.
Dairy products can lead to cramps and bloating, while alcohol can slow down digestion and impair performance. Sugary desserts provide excessive amounts of sugar, leading to an energy crash shortly after. Spicy foods may exacerbate existing conditions or cause an upset stomach. Finally, processed meats are high in sodium and fat, which can be difficult to digest before a workout.
What Are Some Alternatives To These Foods?
If you’re looking for healthier pre-workout snacks, there are several options to consider.
Instead of high-fiber foods, you can opt for low-fiber snacks like fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals.
For processed snacks, choose low-sugar options like nut butter or string cheese. Instead of sugary drinks, opt for water or unsweetened iced tea.
For high-fat foods, choose healthier alternatives like grilled chicken or fish.
For dairy products, opt for plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut yogurt.
Instead of alcohol, try a low-sugar sports drink or a vitamin-rich smoothie.
When it comes to desserts, opt for low-sugar snacks like nuts, trail mix, or dark chocolate.
When it comes to spicy foods, there are many flavor-filled alternatives like veggie bowls or veggie tacos.
And, instead of processed meats, you can replace them with lean proteins like tofu or tempeh.
How Can You Make Sure You’re Eating The Right Foods Before a Workout?
The key is to plan ahead. This will give you enough time to make smarter food choices and fuel your body in the right way. Consider meals that are easy to digest, yet nutrient-packed and calorie-neutral. This could be a bowl of oatmeal or a banana with nut butter. You should also be sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. This will help keep you energized and prevent dehydration during your workout.
Bottom line
When it comes to pre-workout nutrition, it is important to make sure you’re eating the right foods. Choosing the wrong foods can lead to adverse effects, such as hard-to-digest foods, energy crashes, and dehydration. In this article, we looked at nine foods to avoid before a workout, according to science. We also discussed why these foods should be avoided and offered some healthier alternatives.
Finally, we looked at how to make sure you’re eating the right foods before a workout. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to fuel your body properly and have an effective workout!
