12 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat After Workout
Processed meats
Processed meats like ham, salami and bacon are best avoided after a workout as they are full of unhealthy fats and don’t provide your body with what it needs to repair itself following exercise. Processed meats contain preservatives to keep them fresh longer and are also high in sodium which can cause you to feel de-hydrated after a workout. Stick to high protein, muscle building red meats and eat and lean protein foods like chicken or salmon instead.
Cheese
If you are a cheese lover, then you can probably think of nothing nicer to have after a workout than some melted cheddar cheese on toast. While cheese is a source of protein which your body needs after exercise, it’s highly processed and full of fat. If you find yourself craving cheese, then opt for healthier cheeses such as mozzarella and team it with some whole-grain bread for a protein and carb rich healthy post-workout snack.
Fried foods
It might be tempting to eat your favourite full English breakfast after a workout just because you think you’ve burnt off enough calories to allow yourself to be naughty, but don’t. It’s not worth it! Avoid eating fried foods that are high in fat like chips, burgers after exercise. The initial carb rush that you will feel after eating fried foods will soon disappear, leaving you with no nutritional gain and the need to do another workout to work off the extra calories and carbohydrates.
Fast Food
Similar to sugar, salt is something you can crave after a workout. Again, this is because it needs replenishing in your body. It can be tempting to grab something quick and easy such a burger or fries, but they will be detrimental to your diet. You won’t be replacing the right kind of fats or salts in your body, and you’ll be adding a large dose of bad trans fats. In addition, you’ll be undoing all of the great work you did during your exercise.
Spicy foods
If you’re a lover of spicy foods like a chicken madras then you might be craving spicy foods after a workout. Eating spicy foods post-workout is not a good idea as the heat and fieriness of these foods can lead to heartburn and indigestion which will impede the effects of your workout and leave you feeling uncomfortable when what you want to be feeling that great post-workout high instead.
Energy drinks
Again, as with energy bars, energy drinks are no good post-workout. They don’t hydrate your body, are full of caffeine and they are carbonated which will leave you feeling gassy and bloated. Energy drinks are full of sugar and artificial sweeteners so unless you are an athlete you should avoid drinking them before and after a work out and stick to water instead.