6 Foods Athletes Should Avoid

Posted By on January 26, 2015


Sports are demanding on your body and the food you eat has a significant role in your performance. Think of your performance as a ‘sports-car.’ What type of fuel you put in the tank can make a big difference how the car performs. Pouring sugar water in the tank won’t give your sports-car the octane it needs to show off it’s speed and performance!

Be sure to start your day rich in carbohydrates, such as whole grains and fruits. Carbohydrates raise your blood sugar, which fuels your muscles and brain to begin your day with some energy.

Eating the right food, the right quantity, at the right time can make a huge difference for playing your personal best.

For starters, let’s point out six foods to avoid for maximum performance in your practice and games:

1. Sugary Foods:
Sugary foods such as cakes, pastries, pudding, ice creams, sweets, biscuits etc should be avoided before the performance of the sports activity, because they can cause your blood sugar level to drop, which may in turn lead to fatigue.

2. Caffeine:
The effect of caffeine varies from person to person. Some people may feel like having more energy to perform the sports activity, while others may get nervous and find it hard to concentrate, after the consumption of drinks containing caffeine. Moreover, the intake of beverages such as Energy Drinks and coffee can cause dehydration. Side effects such as nausea and headache are also associated with the consumption of drinks containing caffeine. Water is the best drink for athletes!

3. Fried Food:
Since fried food is loaded with oil, it takes a long time to digest the fats present in it. You will feel drowsy and won’t be able to concentrate on the activity, because fried food makes the stomach feel very heavy. Hence, the consumption of fried food should be avoided before the performance of sports.

4. Fatty Food:
Avoid fatty food such as red meat, bacon, ribs, sausages, burgers and pate. Food stuff such as mayonnaise, creamy sauces and salad cream should also be avoided, because they contain fat. Avoid drinking full cream milk before performing the sports.

5. Fizzy Drinks:
Apart from being sugary, fizzy drinks can lead to gastric problems, when consumed before or after indulging yourself in any kind of sports activity. Therefore, it should is a strict no-no for the sports persons.

6. Processed Foods:
Foods to avoid are canned foods such as soups, spaghetti and ravioli as they are high in sodium. Pre-packaged snack foods tend to be high in calories, and TV dinners, pot pies and frozen fish sticks may contain a lot of sodium and fat. Sweetened breakfast cereals and processed meats also should be avoided.
Speaking of performance, let us know how your performance improves by putting the best fuel into your tank! We’d love to get a photo or video clip of you performing at your best.  Contact us here.


Posted by Brad

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