Weight loss: Foods that could be causing your exercise cramps – what to eat before a workout
While it’s important to fuel your body before you exercise, certain foods can disrupt a person’s performance by making them feel tired, bloated, and even promoting stomach cramps. And Barbend’s experts have revealed the unsuspecting healthy foods that should be avoided.
They explained: “Before you exercise, it’s important to fuel your body with the right foods in order to reap the benefits and optimize your training.
“Many people don’t realize how much the foods we eat directly before can affect our performance.
“Foods high in sugar alter your blood sugar, which can leave you feeling sluggish mid-workout.”
They added, “At the same time, high-fat foods like avocado take longer to digest, which means your body is working harder on them instead of providing energy for your workout.”
Foods people should avoid eating before exercising – and what to eat instead:
Eggs
Although they are high in protein, eating eggs right before a workout is not the best option.
This is because they don’t have enough carbs for balanced energy and the body digests them more slowly, which means people can feel heavier during their workout.
Other side effects include stomach cramps and even diarrhea.
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Protein bars
Often sold in gyms, protein bars may seem like a great pre-workout snack, but what people don’t know is that they can make them feel tired instead of giving them the energy boost. wish.
Barbend experts revealed that many protein bars are loaded with “hidden calories, sugar and artificial sweeteners”.
And they don’t contain as much protein as people might think.
“Before taking one, analyze the protein content,” the nutrition experts advised.
“If it has less than nine grams of protein, it won’t do you any good before a workout.
“Instead, look for options with natural ingredients, which won’t cause your blood sugar to drop soon after.”
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Smoothies
Like protein bars, smoothies are loaded with sugar.
This can cause blood sugar levels to rise and fall dramatically, which is not ideal if a person is in the middle of an intense workout.
Vegetables
While vegetables are full of fiber, which is good for digestive health, fiber before a workout can cause stomach upset.
Experts recommended: “Try avoiding fiber-rich vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower before a workout.
“Instead, stick to ones that go a little easier on your stomach like potatoes or asparagus.”
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Lawyer
Considered a superfood, its high fat content could have a huge impact on a person’s workout.
Experts have warned that even if consumed three hours before a workout, it’s still “not a great option”.
“High-fat foods can take more than four hours for the body to fully digest,” they said.
“[This] means that if you return shortly before exercise, your body is still working hard because the food stays in your stomach for a longer period of time and this can also cause stomach pain and fatigue.”
This is because the body uses its energy to support digestion instead of fueling the workout.
Instead, people can watch their unsaturated fat intake instead — a small handful of almonds or a tablespoon of peanut butter on wholegrain toast are great options before exercise.
Barbend experts revealed that individuals should fuel their bodies with a combination of quality carbohydrates and a small amount of protein.
“An apple with peanut butter or an unripe banana are great options,” they said.
“It’s also important to make sure, in addition to your pre-workout snack, that you’ve had a balanced meal two to three hours beforehand.”
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