- By Iram Hussain
- Mon, 03 Feb 2025 01:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Foods To Never Eat Before Workout: In today's fast-paced world, many individuals swear by a proper workout routine to fuel their bodies and lead an active lifestyle. Whether hitting the gym or exercising at home, a well-planned diet plays a crucial role in determining how one feels during a workout and performs during exercise. The pre-workout meal, in particular, holds significant importance as it provides the necessary energy and nutrients to power through a session.
A good pre-workout meal should be energising yet light enough to avoid discomfort. Choosing the right foods and timing the meal correctly can make all the difference in achieving a successful and effective workout. Here, we've listed some food items that you must avoid eating before heading for your workout.
Foods To Never Eat Before Workout
Milk
Milk is not a recommended pre-workout food choice due to its high lactose and protein content which can cause digestive discomfort and slow down digestion. However, milk can be a great post-workout recovery drink, providing essential proteins and carbohydrates to help replenish energy stores and support muscle repair.
Sugary Foods And Drinks
Sugary foods and drinks are not ideal pre-workout choices as they provide empty calories, causing energy crashes and digestive discomfort. Consuming high-sugar foods before exercise can lead to bloating, cramps and decreased performance.
Fatty Food
Fatty foods like fries, burgers, pizza and processed meats should be avoided before a workout. Other examples include high-fat dairy products like cheese and whole milk as well as fried snacks like chips and samosas. These foods can cause discomfort, bloating and decreased performance during exercise.
Foods to avoid before hitting the gym or doing a workout (Image Credits: Canva)
Yogurt
Yogurt is not an ideal pre-workout option due to its high protein and lactose content which can cause digestive discomfort. While yogurt provides essential nutrients, its thickness and creaminess can lead to bloating, cramps and stomach upset during exercise.
Nuts And Seeds
Nuts and seeds are not recommended as a pre-workout snack due to their high fat and fibre content. They can cause digestive discomfort and bloating. Additionally, their high-calorie density can also cause an energy crash mid-workout while hindering overall fitness goals.
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(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)