The worst foods to eat before a workout

You need to eat food to fuel a workout, which is a great excuse to devour your favorite snack before hitting the gym. 
If you exercise on an empty stomach, your body won't have enough energy to perform at its best. It's just as bad to eat the wrong thing before a workout as it is to eat nothing at all. 

Fiber filled foods
Avoid foods rich in fiber like wholegrain bread, oats etc. before working out. 
These foods take longer for the body to digest and can lead to gastrointestinal distress. 
This distress can result in bloating, nausea, gas and stomach cramps which could hinder a workout.

Yogurt
Yogurt should always be consumed after a workout. This is because their high fat content can cause you to feel lethargic. 
Some people find dairy particularly hard to digest, and if this is the case, consuming dairy prior to exercise can lead to stomach upsets and bloating.

Fizzy drinks
High sugar content and carbonation can make you feel bloated, and lead to a sugar crash.
Fizzy drinks are nutritionally void and more often that laden with sugar. 
They can also cause stomach cramps and nausea during your workout.

Granola or protein bars
These might seem like a good idea before you hit the gym, but there’s no clear definition of what they really are. 
Check the labels -- both kinds can have lots of sugar. If they do, your body will burn through that fast, and you may not get much else.

Spicy foods
Spicy foods should be avoided before exercise for a number of reasons. 
Firstly, spicy food can result in indigestion or heartburn that can cause you to abandon a workout and increased cramping. 
Increased effort levels can also affect the amount of effort you're able to put in during a workout.

Cruciferous Vegetables​
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower etc. are important vegetables to include in your diet, but they can be best avoided before workout as they can cause flatulence 
This is because these vegetables are high in raffinose, an indigestible carbohydrate that can trigger abdominal bloating and excessive gas.

Beans & legumes
The protein and healthy carbs in these legumes are no doubt healthy eats, but their composition allows them to ferment in the intestines, creating the potentially gaseous qualities that make them famous. 
Consume beans (this includes hummus) at least four hours before exercise or make them part of your post-workout meal.

Fried/ fast food
Fried foods are another dangerous duo of high-fat and pro-inflammatory ingredients. 
If consumed before workout, chances are you'll feel uncomfortably full. 
Enjoy your fried favs in moderation, and preferably on a day you don't exercise. It will keep you from getting the most out of your workout.

Refined sugar
Inadequate amounts of sugars and carbohydrates in your system before a workout can lead to lethargy and fatigue. 
Do your best to avoid refined sugar found in many manufactured products. 
Instead opt for glucose which is found in carbohydrate rich foods or fructose found in fruits and vegetables.

Don’t Go Hungry, eat right
Pre-workout snacks can be hard to come by if you're trying to lose weight. 
Your body needs fuel to keep you going strong, but it needs the right fuel at the right time. Experts say the best snack is a combination of carbs and protein. Some ideas include fruits like banana, sapota etc. A handful of mixed dry fruits or even some boiled sweet potatoes and eggs. ​

Disclaimer: The advice provided is intended for informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.  Consult with your doctor if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.​