FOODS TO AVOID POST WORK OUT

After hitting the gym, most of us head straight to the kitchen, to satiate that intense hunger a great workout generates. This happens because our body craves for food rich in calories at this time. But did you know, that most of your daily foods that seem like great post-workout snack options, aren't usually the best for your body? We list down some common (and rather popular!) foods you should avoid, especially after a gruelling workout.

 

Raw vegetables:

While raw vegetables are healthy as they are full of nutrients, they aren't enough to sustain your body after an intense workout. They fare poorly as post-workout recovery food, as they don't have enough calories to help restore energy or maintain your metabolic rate. Unless you consume raw vegetables with a protein rich supplement (like a hummus dip!), they're not a healthy option.

Pre-Workout Power Snack:

How you fuel your body before working out affects your performance and recovery. Take a snacking lesson from endurance athlete Brendan Brazier, founder of the plant-based nutrition company Thrive Forward . These tasty nuggets, featuring healthy whole foods like quinoa and coconut, will power your workout. As an added convenience, these bites will keep in the freezer for months. Watch this video to learn how to make Brendan's energy bites!

Aerated drinks:

They may be your favourite thirst-quenchers but fizzy soft drinks should specifically be avoided after a workout. Why? Because they contain high amounts of sugar that slows down metabolism, so if you're trying to lose weight, they're counterproductive! Instead, drink electrolytes or plain water to rehydrate your body.

Salted goodies:

 Potato chips and salty crisps may be tempting snacks, but they contain excessive salt, which lowers the levels of potassium in your body. Since potassium is a mineral essential for cell function, the last thing you need is to deplete more potassium with a salty food binge. If you want a bite, opt for baked chips, which are unsalted.

Sweets and chocolates:

Chocolates (especially milk chocolates) and sugary sweets are off-limits, as they offer you nothing that will help recharge your body, post a workout. They are high in sugar, as well as calories, and have very little nutritional value. Drink a glass of chocolate milk instead; it is much more beneficial, as it provides a calcium boost.

Fried eggs:

 Eggs are generally healthy and they make for a great post-workout food, as they are filled with proteins and nutrients like choline that are beneficial for your heart. But there's a catch â” when eggs are fried, they get cooked in fats such as butter. So if you're craving for eggs after your workout, don't fry them. Eat them boiled, as boiled eggs provide nutrition without adding more saturated fats

Cereals:

 Cereals can be deceptive â” while some are healthy, there are others that are overloaded with sugar. In fact, according to a study, there are certain cereals that contain more sugar than a regular chocolate bar! Sometimes, in refined cereals, the fibre is removed and so are all the vitamins and minerals. So it's best to not consume them after your workout.

Keep it healthy ,

love,

Aaisha.