When you are heading to a gym for a workout, you should feel energetic, active and motivated, rather than weak, bloated and lethargic. This usually happens when we are often concerned about what to eat before a workout rather than what NOT to eat before a workout. Exercise needs a huge volume of blood to be pumped to working muscles. As a result, blood flow to the stomach is reduced during the exercise. For this reason, you your stomach should not work harder than it has to because it may lead to indigestion and discomfort.
Here is the list of 9 healthy foods that you should never eat before working out, as they can cause stomach discomfort, exhaustion and other digestive problems that will hamper both your performance and your desirable fitness results.
1. Hummus
Hummus not only tastes delicious but is also considered to be a healthy and protein-rich snack. However, you need to avoid it before working out. This bean-based food is rich in indigestible carbohydrates. According to Mary Hartley, Dietician from New York, these carbohydrates won’t get digested and may cause bloating and gas which will make you uncomfortable during the entire workout.
2. Dairy
We know drinking a cup of milk will lifts power and performance while working out. But surprisingly, dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese may make you lazy and dull. In addition, low-fat milk can also hamper the body during a heavy workout. This is because high protein foods and beverages do not contain enough carbs which make them drain your energy quickly. It is recommended to stay away from dairy at least 2 hours before and after the workout.
3. Unripe Banana
Bananas are known for instant energy booster that is why they are a favorite fruit of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. However, an unripe banana may cause gas and bloating as they are difficult to digest. A ripe banana is digested easily and is perfect to consume before intense workouts.
4. Boiled Egg
Boiled eggs are a great way to get your protein, but they do not have enough carbs for balanced energy. Also, protein and eggs stay in the stomach for a long time before being digested, which makes you feel uncomfortable and lethargic during your workout. Raw eggs are also not recommended as it contains salmonella bacteria that can cause indigestion and diarrhea.
5. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods especially those with cayenne pepper are good because they can burn calories faster, but this may not be effective if you eat spicy foods before hitting the gym. Spicy foods can cause heartburn and a burned throat that can hinder your workout session.
6. Protein Bars
Your protein bar is no good than a candy bar if it has 200 calories but a little amount of protein. Rania Batayneh, a certified nutritionist and eating strategist, claims that such protein-filled bars ‘weigh down your workout.’ Not all bars are bad for your workout. If you choose one with the protein to sugar ratio of 1:1 (under 200 cals), you can stay energized and active.
7. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks provide an instant energy, but they have high amounts of sugar. Higher content of sugar will increase your blood sugar level and could even make you faint in the middle of a workout session. If you are planning to do an intense workout, stay away from isotonic drinks, sodas, and energy drinks.
8. Flavored Water
9. Green Veggies
Green veggies like spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, and peppers are an excellent source for essential nutrition like iron, calcium, minerals, and vitamins. But unfortunately, they are not advisable to be consumed before exercise. These super greens contain indigestible carbs that can cause bloating and gas when working out.
These are some healthy foods that are good for your health but ruin your gym sessions. Not all healthy foods are good for physical exercise so you just need to choose wisely. Therefore, eating right to workout will give you long-lasting and hard-earned results to achieve our fitness goals.
