10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (2024)

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

1

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (1)

Nothing cramps (pun intended) your workout mojo like a crazy sugar crash or a big ol' case of bloat. And we know—you're not drinking diet soda or downing a bag of Skittles on your way to the gym. Still, otherwise healthy choices (think: hummus and broccoli) can sap strength and slow you down if consumed in the wrong amounts or at the wrong time. Avoid these 10 foods pre-workout (they're safe bets any other time) or risk feeling like a slug when you sweat.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

2

1. Hummus

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (2)

Legumes have earned theirrep as the "musical fruit" for a reason. Beans' and chickpeas' starchy compounds,stachyose and raffinose,don't digest completely in the small intestine, which often leads to gas. Skip the falafel truck on your lunch break, and your stomach (and everyone else in your yoga class) will thank you later on.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

3

2. Lattes

Although caffeine has plenty of workout-boosting benefits, skip the latte in favor of a cup of tea. Coffee is well known for its ability to–ahem–get things moving. Not the best choice before you get moving at the gym. Steer clear of decaf, too. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that decaf coffee actually introduced more acid into the digestive process than a regular caffeinated cup of joe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

3. Fresh-Pressed Juice

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (4)

Downing a glass of fresh-squeezed OJ might seem like a good idea before hitting the pavement in the a.m., but refuel with the stuff post-run instead. Fruit juice is high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar to spike and then crash, draining your energy. Stick to water to hydrate pre-workout.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

5

4. Yogurt

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (5)

Whether you have an intolerance or not, dairy can cause nausea and cramps. If you can't live without your morning smoothie, try kefir instead.

MORE: Six Big Myths about Greek Yogurt

A study performed at Ohio State University suggests that kefir improves the lactose digestion process.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

6

5. Flaxseeds

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (6)

Also steer clear of adding seeds to a smoothie before a morning run. Although they're packed with nutrients, flaxseeds are also packed with fiber. And while fiber's a hugely important part of a healthy diet, it's hard to digest and can often cause gas or bloating.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

6. Broccoli

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (7)

On that note, stay away from high-fiber veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. These difficult-to-digest plant fibers do the bulk of the cleaning work in the GI tract, but the process can leave you feeling pretty bulky. For a low-fiber veggie fix, go for a stir-fry made with mushrooms, carrots, and asparagus.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

8

7. Avocados

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (8)

Leave avocado out of your salad if you're planning to hit the gym. Fats (even the healthy, monounsaturated kind) take a long time to digest and can leave you feeling sluggish.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

9

8. Pistachios

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (9)

The same goes for nuts. A 2014 study in the journal PLOS ONE found pistachios to be particularly detrimental. Participants who noshed on a handful before exercise performed slower in aerobic time trials than their nut-free counterparts. For an equally crunchy pre-workout snack, try carrots instead.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

9. Protein Bars

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (10)

Even otherwise healthy protein bars can wreak havoc before a workout.

MORE: 10 Healthy Snacks Every Stress Eater Needs

Many of the low-sugar bars we've come to love contain sugar alcohols, which many people have a hard time digesting. Hello, bloat. Need something super portable? Go for a banana, which is packed with easily digestible carbs.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

11

10. Eggs

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (11)

Eggs are an excellent source of lean protein but lack the carbs needed to fuel an intense sweat session. And because protein takes longer for the body to digest, an omelet can weigh you down if consumed too close to your workout. For a healthy breakfast alternative, try oatmeal. Oats hit the fiber sweet spot–enough nutrients to give you energy, but not enough fiber to bring on bloat.

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout (2024)

FAQs

10 Clean Foods That Could Actually Be Slowing You Down During a Workout? ›

Before going to the gym, you may want to avoid foods that can slow digestion or cause stomach upset during your workout. This includes: High fat foods: Fatty meats, buttery foods, and heavy sauces or creams. High fiber foods: Beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.

What foods should you avoid while working out? ›

Before going to the gym, you may want to avoid foods that can slow digestion or cause stomach upset during your workout. This includes: High fat foods: Fatty meats, buttery foods, and heavy sauces or creams. High fiber foods: Beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.

What foods make you run slower? ›

Are You A Runner? 12 Foods You Must Avoid!
  • Sugary Sodas.
  • Frozen Meals.
  • Dairy products.
  • Alcohol.
  • Energy Drinks.
  • Oily And Fatty Food Items.
  • Spicy Food.
  • Foods That Are High In Fibre And Carbohydrates.
May 6, 2024

What foods give you slow release energy? ›

Slow-release carbohydrates (carbs) provide a more sustained, slower release of energy. Examples of slow-release carbs include quinoa, most vegetables, most legumes, and more. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the body.

What foods slow down muscle growth? ›

Unfortunately, desserts, candy, donuts, and many highly processed and packaged foods are not going to optimally fuel your energy towards muscle building. These can be avoided when focusing on muscle building. Alcohol has been shown to slow recovery because it can impair and not enhance your physical performance.

What foods to eat when not working out? ›

Eat Nutrient-Dense Whole Foods
  • Whole grains.
  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Lean meats.
  • Low-fat dairy products.
  • Eggs.
  • Poultry.
  • Fish.
  • Beans and legumes.
Jan 10, 2024

What food makes you sluggish? ›

Highly processed foods, such as some packaged or canned foods, candy, boxed meals, and precooked meats are typically full of preservatives, additives, sodium, trans fat, and artificial ingredients that may slow you down.

What foods decrease stamina? ›

7 Foods That Will Kill Your Endurance and Stamina
  • Milk. Dairy is on category to take a pass on pre-workout, says Sam Accardi, lead dietitian at Mind + Matter, LLC, a nutritional consulting company in Arlington, VA. ...
  • Booze. ...
  • Pasta. ...
  • Low-Calorie Foods and Drinks. ...
  • Trail Mix. ...
  • Anything Fried. ...
  • Avocados.
Jul 4, 2015

What foods get rid of the runs? ›

What foods help diarrhea go away? Eating bland foods can help diarrhea clear quicker and prevent stomach upset and irritation. This can include bananas, plain white rice, applesauce, toast, boiled potatoes, unseasoned crackers, and oatmeal.

What are 10 protective foods? ›

Protective Foods Today_(Obj #1) Sources of Vitamin C: oranges, grapefruit, guava, green pepper, mountain apple, strawberries, pineapple, papaya, mango.

What are the top 10 energy foods? ›

  • 1/ Bananas. Bananas are an excellent source of energy due to their rich nutritional profile. ...
  • 2/ Fortified Cereal. Frequently cast aside for their low nutritional content and high sugar, breakfast cereals are often painted as the villain. ...
  • 3/ Apples. ...
  • 4/ Granola Bars. ...
  • 5/ Yoghurt. ...
  • 6/ Salmon. ...
  • 7/ Dark Chocolate. ...
  • 8/ Porridge.
Sep 28, 2023

What depletes muscle? ›

Muscle atrophy can occur due to malnutrition, age, genetics, a lack of physical activity or certain medical conditions. Disuse (physiologic) atrophy occurs when you don't use your muscles enough. Neurogenic atrophy occurs due to nerve problems or diseases.

What foods stop muscle loss? ›

High-quality protein – Eating protein-rich foods will benefit your muscles by delivering necessary nutrients to help the body build and maintain muscle mass. Eggs, poultry, cheese, milk, beans and peanuts are some examples of nutritious high-quality protein foods.

What foods should you avoid while lifting weights? ›

First, try not to drink sugar calories, such as sodas and fruit juice, and limit intake of processed foods, including packaged and fried fast food. These foods are low in fiber, protein, and micro-nutrients and high in empty calories. Next, aim for lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, and turkey.

What should you eat while working? ›

Energize with healthy snacks: Fuel your body with healthy options, such as hummus and fresh vegetables, low-fat yogurt or cheese, fresh fruit, nuts, tuna and whole-grain crackers. Rather than eating a big meal during your shift, consider eating small portions of healthy snacks to keep you energized as you work.

What is the gym food rule? ›

To start a gym diet, begin by focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods. Incorporate lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water into your meals. Aim for balanced portions and avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.

What foods should you avoid to get toned? ›

Fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fatty fish, and tea can all help accelerate fat burning and improve body composition. Meanwhile, you'll want to avoid fried foods, sugary snacks, refined grains, sugar-sweetened beverages, and excessive alcohol intake.

Can I eat whatever I want if I'm working out? ›

While exercise contributes to expenditure and thus weight loss, what we eat significantly affects this equation. If the calories you consume surpass what you burn, weight gain is inevitable. Consider this: you exercise and burn 3000 calories, but then consume food worth 4000 calories; you are gaining weight.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Eusebia Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 5593

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Eusebia Nader

Birthday: 1994-11-11

Address: Apt. 721 977 Ebert Meadows, Jereville, GA 73618-6603

Phone: +2316203969400

Job: International Farming Consultant

Hobby: Reading, Photography, Shooting, Singing, Magic, Kayaking, Mushroom hunting

Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.