Pre Workout Food To Avoid

Exercising on an empty stomach might just see you falling below your peak performance levels, but eating the wrong types of food prior to your session might be causing you performance issues more so.

Therefore, consuming the right pre workout food prior to your session can help improve your performance. Some foods might make you feel sluggish. Some might make you feel bloated or even nauseous. 

Pre Workout Food to Avoid

Whatever your discipline, here are 4 food types you might want to consider avoiding before your game day.

1. High Fat Foods:

Fatty foods take a very long time to digest which ultimately means they are sticking around in your stomach for longer than you think. So, while your body is at work digesting these types of foods there is less oxygen getting delivered to the muscles groups that need it.

Before phys (training) keep away not only from greasy foods but also from healthy fats like nuts, avocado, seeds and coconut or coconut oils.

2. High Fibre Foods:

As we all know (maybe) high fibre foods are good for your heart, aide weight loss and are also good news for your gut. But too much might just hinder your session.

High in fibre foods can often cause us some discomfort which could be amplified by physical activity. Fibre rich vegetables like sprouts or broccoli are known to cause bloating.

It’s hard to focus on your training session if all the time your stomach is swollen with gas.

3. High Protein foods

Yes, high protein foods can make you feel fuller for longer but like Healthy fats, protein rich foods can often take a long time to digest.

Apart from missing out on the obvious energy rich carbs, stuffing yourself full of protein too close to a training session can make you feel heavy and weighed down. Once more that sluggish feeling will hit.

A good amount of protein of around 10-15 grams coupled with a healthy source of carbs should be a perfect balance to help sustain your pre workout needs.

4. Spicy Foods

Scrap the sizzle until after the session as post workout food. There are so many potential issues associated with spicy foods it might just be better to delay rather than risking it.

Heartburn, acid reflux, that horrible burning sensation and upset stomach is not what you want to be experiencing mid workout. A recent intake of spicy food can also cause excessive sweating, prior to a session those fluids will be crucial.

Obviously we are not saying cut out healthy workout foods such as fibre, protein and healthy fats. We are just saying consider time when taking on certain pre workout food types. 

Pre Workout Food To Go For

Remember, simple carbs burn fast and are readily available should your body need them. If you need pre workout snacks for energy before a session maybe a round of toast, a bagel or piece of fruit an hour prior to working out will benefit your performance.

Ideally look at eating 3-4 hours prior and leave it at that. What you eat at those big larger meals…. Well, that’s for another blog!