It’s important to know what kind of foods we should eat before exercise. But we’re always hearing about what we should be eating, and what we should not be eating. Let’s back up a bit first and quickly recap the various functions of primary food nutrients.
- Protein: Enables physical growth; develops and repairs muscles and tissues.
- Carbohydrates: Helps deliver caloric energy to the body; three types: fiber, starch, and sugar.
- Fats: Delivers protein energy to the body; transports vitamins and minerals throughout the cells.
We know that all three nutrients are critical to health, but there is much more to food than just macronutrients. For the sake of not turning this article into a research project, suffice to say food elements such as micronutrients, phytochemicals (antioxidants, antibacterial, antiviral, etc.), water, and zoochemicals (the animal-based kin of phytochemicals) play roles in producing and maintaining energy. When we exercise, we must manifest this energy as we perform under exertion. For this reason, we must have the correct balance of these nutrients.
Besides knowing what foods to eat before exercise, we must also know what foods not to eat before exercise. To a certain degree, the latter is more important than the former.
Today, we are going to discuss foods to never eat before exercise. We’ll wrap things up by going over foods that will do your body good!
HERE ARE THE FOODS (AND DRINKS) TO NEVER CONSUME BEFORE EXERCISE:
“Food is the most widely abused anti-anxiety drug in America, and exercise is the most potent yet underutilized antidepressant.” – Bill Phillips
PASTRIES
For those who exercise regularly, the thought of eating a fat-laden, sugary pastry is enough to make us hurl. It’s funny how getting in shape changes your perspective about food. Anyways, pastries are a huge no-no that provides little in the way of nutrition.
MILK
While a bit of lowfat milk with cereal is probably okay, too much dairy – or any dairy product – can cause stomach troubles. The last thing you want is to be kicking butt in the middle of a workout to head to the nearest toilet. Anyone sensitive to any lactose product shouldn’t touch dairy before working out.
FRIED OR FATTY FOODS
Okay, so you’re going to the gym, right? Think you’ll burn off that burger and fries? Think again. Saturated fat is about the worst thing you can load up on before exercise; they are hard to digest and are known to cause bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and nausea.
ALCOHOL
If you’re going to hit the gym after work, it is wise to skip Happy Hour. Alcohol is a diuretic and will sap your energy when you need it the most. It also inhibits normal metabolic function – and that pretty much defeats the entire purpose of working out.
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