5 foods you should rather not eat before exercise

 

A balanced diet is crucial, especially during times of stress, to ensure that the body receives all of the nutrients it requires. 

Unfortunately, in times of stress, our brain prefers the opposite: readily available calories that can be transformed into energy rapidly. 

That is why, in times of crisis, many people develop an appetite for sweets and fast food. Better still, drink plenty of water and eat foods that help decrease blood pressure. Fresh fish or fruits like bananas and watermelon are examples of these. Vitamin B1, which strengthens the nerves, is also beneficial. Meat and potatoes, for example, could be on the menu. This, by the way, also helps with concentration.

These are the 5 foods you should avoid before a workout

1. smoothies

Depending on their composition, fruit or vegetable smoothies can basically be very healthy - after all, they usually contain many vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients. However, especially if the proportion of fruit is higher than that of vegetables, smoothies are often very high in sugar. After drinking, this causes a rapid rise in blood sugar levels and an equally rapid drop - so the short energy kick is usually followed by fatigue.

2. spiciness

Chili, pepper, and other spicy meals can help you burn fat faster. Spicy foods should be avoided soon before exercising, as they might cause stomach cramps, heartburn, and other discomforts. Curry with a lot of chillun should be saved for after your workout.

3. fiber-rich meals

Fiber is essential and beneficial because it keeps you full for longer periods of time and aids digestion. However, you should generally avoid vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, as well as cereal items, right before exercising because they cause edema and digestion. Otherwise, exercising might be a very unpleasant experience.

4. quick-service restaurants 

You didn't have much time to eat and so want to get a burger and some fries before the game? That is not something you should do. Because fast food is typically high in sugar and fat, both of which are detrimental to one's health, especially when consumed in big quantities prior to a workout. Fat puts a lot of effort on your digestive system, leaving you fatigued rather than energizing you. When the blood sugar level rises, the high sugar content only delivers a transient energy boost; as soon as it declines, the low follows. 

5. energizing beverages

 Energy drinks aren't the best way to get a boost of energy before a workout. Caffeine, in moderation, can improve (athletic) performance. However,

artificial drinks contain too much for a positive effect. In these quantities, the caffeine only increases the heart rate as well as the blood pressure - this puts the body under a lot of stress, especially in combination with the adrenaline produced during sports.

In addition, energy drinks often contain a lot of sugar and synthetic sweeteners that bind water in the intestines and can thus lead to diarrhea in the worst case.

It is critical to eat before exercising. So, what should you consume before working out?

• A proper blend of carbohydrates and proteins, according to fitness and nutrition experts, will provide your body with energy and muscle power.
• This might be a hard-boiled egg or a banana with nuts or almonds.
• The time of the pre-workout food is also important. To give your body enough time to digest your last large meal, finish it at least two hours before you begin exercising. You can, however, eat a snack one to half an hour before the start of your workout.