Foods To Avoid After A Workout
It's natural for you to have a rumble in your stomach after working out. Burning calories can lead to hunger pangs, and it's actually good for you to have a snack after you workout to replenish some of the energy your body consumed. But did you know some foods and food combinations can actually sabotage your weight loss from your workout? Certain foods metabolize in ways that can harm and negate your workout. Here are 7 of the worst culprits.
Energy bars - Of course you wouldn't reach for a Kit Kat after a workout, but there are many foods that are extremely high in sugar that might surprise you, including energy bars. How's that for false advertising!? Sugary foods slow down your metabolism, negating the energy you increased during your workout.
Salty snacks - Many athletes are concerned about salt loss after an intense workout, but they shouldn't - eating dried fruit or a high-carb snack will provide all the salt you'll need to replenish. In fact, salt can drive down potassium levels in your body, causing leg cramps and weakness.
Low-calorie veggies - You just burned a ton of calories, and the last thing you need is to put them back into your body with a high-calorie snack - right? Although it seems logical to nosh on celery and carrots, your body needs something more substantial to regain the energy. Try wheat toast, almonds, cottage cheese, a peanut butter sandwich or lean meat and cheese as an after-workout snack.
Fatty foods - Admit it - there are days when your sole purpose for working out is to eat a slice of pizza after! Don't replace the fat you burned with more fat; stay away from French fries, oily pizza and burgers after a workout.
Chocolate - Chocolate is one of the worst foods you can eat after a good workout. You will get an energy burst after you eat this sweet snack, but it will actually reserve the effects of your workout. The energy you feel is due to a spike in blood sugar rather than a true increase in energy.
Fruit drinks or energy drinks - Parched after your workout? Don't reach for the fruit juice. Although fruit juice does contain vitamins that are good for you - like vitamin C - they also contain a high amount of sugar. Blended juice drinks, or those with less than 20% fruit juice, are especially bad for you after a workout. In the same vein? Sodas and energy drinks, which your body will pull energy from after your workout instead of dipping into fat reserves.
Pasta - Although some high-carb foods can be good for you after a workout, refined carbs aren't. These include white bread and especially pasta, which instantly turns into sugar as soon as it's metabolized and has the same effect as sugar - instant high, huge crash after. Avoid processed carbs, and if you have to have pasta, wait until 2 hours after your workout or opt for whole grain pasta instead.
Kennith
It's natural for you to have a rumble in your stomach after working out. Burning calories can lead to hunger pangs, and it's actually good for you to have a snack after you workout to replenish some of the energy your body consumed. But did you know some foods and food combinations can actually sabotage your weight loss from your workout? Certain foods metabolize in ways that can harm and negate your workout. Here are 7 of the worst culprits.
Energy bars - Of course you wouldn't reach for a Kit Kat after a workout, but there are many foods that are extremely high in sugar that might surprise you, including energy bars. How's that for false advertising!? Sugary foods slow down your metabolism, negating the energy you increased during your workout.
Salty snacks - Many athletes are concerned about salt loss after an intense workout, but they shouldn't - eating dried fruit or a high-carb snack will provide all the salt you'll need to replenish. In fact, salt can drive down potassium levels in your body, causing leg cramps and weakness.
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Low-calorie veggies - You just burned a ton of calories, and the last thing you need is to put them back into your body with a high-calorie snack - right? Although it seems logical to nosh on celery and carrots, your body needs something more substantial to regain the energy. Try wheat toast, almonds, cottage cheese, a peanut butter sandwich or lean meat and cheese as an after-workout snack.
Fatty foods - Admit it - there are days when your sole purpose for working out is to eat a slice of pizza after! Don't replace the fat you burned with more fat; stay away from French fries, oily pizza and burgers after a workout.
Chocolate - Chocolate is one of the worst foods you can eat after a good workout. You will get an energy burst after you eat this sweet snack, but it will actually reserve the effects of your workout. The energy you feel is due to a spike in blood sugar rather than a true increase in energy.
Fruit drinks or energy drinks - Parched after your workout? Don't reach for the fruit juice. Although fruit juice does contain vitamins that are good for you - like vitamin C - they also contain a high amount of sugar. Blended juice drinks, or those with less than 20% fruit juice, are especially bad for you after a workout. In the same vein? Sodas and energy drinks, which your body will pull energy from after your workout instead of dipping into fat reserves.
Pasta - Although some high-carb foods can be good for you after a workout, refined carbs aren't. These include white bread and especially pasta, which instantly turns into sugar as soon as it's metabolized and has the same effect as sugar - instant high, huge crash after. Avoid processed carbs, and if you have to have pasta, wait until 2 hours after your workout or opt for whole grain pasta instead.
Kennith
About the Author:
Kennith Campbell is a personal trainer specializing in slide board cross-training. He’s committed to living a healthier lifestyle through nutrition and exercise.
Kennith Campbell is a personal trainer specializing in slide board cross-training. He’s committed to living a healthier lifestyle through nutrition and exercise.
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