Seven healthy foods to avoid before exercise
Seven healthy foods to avoid before exercise
Rice cakes, hummus and green bananas are all foods which should be avoided before hitting the gym.
Experts from Trimtone have revealed seven foods that gym-goers should never eat before a workout.
Looking into the nutrients of the snacks will make it easier to help decide what should be eaten before or after exercise.
The restorative power of protein makes it a great post-workout snack, whereas nutrients such as starch and fat can be difficult to digest, especially during exercise.
A spokesperson for Trimtone said: “The food you eat before and after your workout can be just as important as the actual workout itself.
“You want your pre-workout snack to help give your body a boost to ensure it gets the most out of your exercises, and not to cause pain or strain.
“Stick to food which will give you energy but without any side-effects. Like everything, trial and error and finding out what works best for you and your routine is the best way to find what works, and what doesn’t.”
These are Trimtone ’s pick of seven foods you should avoid before your workout
1. Yoghurt
This is a great swap for sweeter, more sugar-filled desserts, but it shouldn’t be consumed pre-workout. Due to the huge amount of dairy in the product it could leave you feeling sluggish – the last thing you want at the gym.
2. Rice Cakes
Although rice cakes are low in nutrients which could be good for your diet if you’re feeling hungry, this means they don’t play any part in your exercise routine. They can contain a lot of artificial flavourings and won’t provide any benefit at all, making them a snack to avoid.
3. Avocados
The tasty fruit which is jam-packed full of nutrients is a great source of healthy monosaturated fats. However, these fats – although they’re healthy – will still take a while to digest which could cause cramping mid exercise.
4. Green bananas
Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals and are also a great source of fibre, which could lead you to think that they would be good before a workout. However, they contain lots of starch which can be difficult to digest and can cause bloating.
5. Hummus
As hummus is bean-based it contains a high level of carbs. These carbohydrates are sometimes indigestible leaving you feeling gassy or bloated mid-workout.
6. Hard-boiled Eggs
This high in protein snack seems like it would be perfect pre-workout. Unfortunately, they lack carbohydrates which make them relatively hard to digest. Eating eggs before exercising can weigh you down and get in the way of an efficient session.
7. Whole grain bread
An excellent source of fibre, and a much better alternative to its nutrient-lacking relative white bread, whole grain bread does, unfortunately, contain complex carbs. These can be difficult to digest and remain heavy in your stomach – exactly the opposite of how you want to feel.
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