7 Foods To Avoid Before A Workout

7 Foods To Avoid Before A Workout

Whether you want to lose weight or simply maintain your fitness level, regular exercise is a non-negotiable. And while you know all the right foods to eat before and after your workout, it’s equally important to be aware of the foods that work against you. No, we’re not talking about the usual suspects like chips and other junk food. These foods, which are otherwise good for you, can prevent your workout from being fully effective if you have them just a few hours before.

Take a look at the 7 foods to avoid just before you workout.

1. Dairy

Whether it is milk, cheese, paneer or yogurt, stay away from dairy products before a workout because they can induce a lot of gas in the stomach. Dairy products are hard to digest and can make you feel bloated or even lead to abdominal pain while exercising!

2. Protein Bars

It is very common for people to snack on protein bars before a workout, but most protein bars are rich in sugar and have a lot of calorie,s which can have an adverse effect on your workout.

3. Bread

Having fibre rich foods like wholegrain bread, pasta or oats is good for you as it will keep you full for a long time, but they also take the longest time to digest. This can cause bloating and cramps which would get in the way of your workout.

4. Soda

Fizzy drinks are carbonated and loaded with sugars, which can make you extremely lethargic before a workout. This can lead not only to a sugar crash, but also make you feel bloated and nauseous.

5. Avocado

Avocado is really high in fat content and fibre. This can take a really long time to digest, which could result in stomach cramps. This will eventually make you feel tired and lethargic too.

6. Spicy foods

Consuming spicy food before a workout can lead to heartburn and indigestion. It can even lead to cramping, which can get in the way of you finishing your workout.

7. Cruciferous vegetables

Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy and similar greens contain indigestible carbohydrates that can slow down the digestion process. They can also lead to gas and bloating while working out, and you really don’t want to deal with that.

Make sure to avoid eating these foods for at least 2 hours before your workout.

Kreena Desai

Hauterfly's Content Writer and Video Producer, Kreena is a sucker for all things DIY. In love with nail art, beauty, fashion, textiles, and all things creative under the sun, she follows the mantra: Why buy, when you can DIY?!

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