Eating before your workout can help fuel the workout and boost your performance. But you’ll be surprised to find out that some foods (even healthy foods) can ruin your workout. These foods make it impossible to get the most out of your workout because they cause bloating, indigestion and dizziness.
Make sure you avoid eating the 10 foods below, 1-2 hours before your workout.
1. DAIRY PRODUCTS
You’re better off consuming milk or yogurt after a workout. Eating these foods before a workout can make you feel sluggish and cause digestive problems, including heartburn. And this doesn’t only apply to those who are lactose intolerant. Dairy can ruin workouts for anyone.
2. SUGAR
Don’t be fooled by the energy boost you get after consuming sugar. The boost is triggered by blood sugar spikes, which drop after a short while. A blood sugar dip will leave you with feelings of fatigue, dizziness and low energy.
You probably know that drinking coffee before a workout can help boost your performance. But realize that adding sugar to your coffee can ruin the workout.
3. LEGUMES
Beans, peas and lentils should definitely be part of your regular diet. They contain lots of protein and fiber. But it’s not a good idea to eat them before workout since they can cause gas and bloating. Don’t eat legumes 6 hours prior to your workout.
4. HUMMUS
Hummus may be healthy and delicious, but it contains indigestible carbs that can bloat your belly. It’s better to have this snack after your workout.
5. CARBONATED DRINKS
Flavored water, sodas and beer can cause gas and bloating. Plus, most of these drinks contain sugar, and as I mentioned above, sugar ruins workouts. Diet soda isn’t healthy either. It contains aspartame, an artificial sweetener which has been linked to memory loss, dizziness and so on.
6. SPICY FOODS
Spicy foods take longer to digest and can cause heartburn, which may result in poor workout performance. To be safe, avoid spicy foods 12 hours before a workout.
7. ALCOHOL
It’s almost impossible to have a rewarding workout when you’re drunk or hungover. Alcohol leaves you feeling tired and dehydrated. So avoid excessive drinking a day before the workout. And drinking alcohol hours before workout is a no-no.
8. FRIED AND HIGH-FAT FOODS
Steer clear of burgers and pizza before a workout. These foods are hard to digest and cause digestive problems.
9. HIGH SODIUM FOODS
Avoid salty foods before a workout, but if you do eat them make sure you drink lots of water. High sodium foods cause dehydration and water retention, which won’t do your workout any good.
10. CRUCIFEROUS VEGGIES
Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage are definitely good for weight loss. But avoid them before exercise because they can result in gas and bloating.
SOURCE: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-foods-you-should-avoid-before-a-workout.html
