In order to reap the most benefits out of your workout, it is important to pay attention to what you eat before hitting the gym. The right pre-workout meal can give you the energy and focus you need to make the most of your workout, while the wrong foods can leave you feeling sluggish and unfocused. Here are some foods to avoid before your workout.
1. Fried Foods: Fried foods like French fries, onion rings and chicken wings are loaded with unhealthy fats and calories that can weigh you down during your workout. These types of foods will also cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash, leaving you feeling exhausted and unfocused.
2. Processed Foods: Processed foods like chips, crackers and candy are easy snacks to grab on the go, but they are also filled with empty calories and unhealthy additives that can leave you feeling heavy and sluggish.
3. Sugary Foods: High sugar foods like cakes, cookies and candy may give you a short burst of energy, but they are also high in calories and can cause your blood sugar to spike, followed by a crash. This can leave you feeling tired and unfocused during your workout.
4. High-Fat Foods: Foods that are high in fat, like burgers and cheese, are heavy and provide little to no nutritional value. Eating these types of foods before a workout can cause an upset stomach and leave you feeling tired and sluggish.
5. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol before a workout is a sure-fire way to sabotage your performance. Alcohol can reduce your coordination and reaction time, as well as cause dehydration, which can lead to fatigue and muscle cramps.
6. Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can give you a quick burst of energy, but it can also cause dehydration and leave you feeling jittery and unfocused during your workout. If you do choose to drink caffeine before a workout, opt for a low-calorie beverage like green tea.
It is important to pay attention to what you eat before hitting the gym. Eating the wrong foods can leave you feeling heavy and sluggish, while the right pre-workout meal can provide you with the energy and focus you need to make the most of your workout. Avoid fried foods, processed foods, sugary foods, high-fat foods, alcohol and caffeine before your workout for best results.
