It's important to provide your body with energy before going to the gym, but some pre-workout snacks can actually hinder your workout, making you feel tired, bloated and even suffering from stomach cramps, to help you get the most out of your workout, you should avoid eating foods an hour before exercise, as these foods contain a high sugar content which may make you feel lethargic in the middle of your workout. At the same time, high-fat foods like avocados take longer to digest, which means your body is working it instead of providing energy forexercise.

Foods to avoid eating before exercising

Eggs

Although high in protein, eating eggs just before exercise isn't the best option, as they don't contain enough carbs for balanced energy. It may also make you feel heavy during exercise because the body digests it slowly. Although bodybuilders famously consume raw eggs as a quick way to consume more protein, it's also a bad option before exercise, as it can cause stomach cramps and even diarrhea.

Protein Bars

Although protein bars may seem like the perfect snack before a workout, they can make you feel tired during your workout. A lot of the protein bars on the shelves are full of hidden calories, sugar, artificial sweeteners and don't actually contain a high amount of protein. If it contains less than 9 grams of protein, it won't help you before exercise. Instead, look for options with natural ingredients that won't lead to low blood sugar soon after.

Avocado

Foods high in fat can take more than four hours for your body to fully digest them, which means that if you exercise shortly before your workout, your body is still working hard.

Because food stays in your stomach for a longer period of time, it can also cause stomach pain and fatigue, as your body uses its energy to support digestion rather than supporting exercise. However, trans fats are not complete, they just need to be eaten in moderation. For example, a small handful of almonds, or a tablespoon of peanut butter on whole-grain toast are great options before a big workout.

Juices

Juices are one of the most common options for those trying to eat healthy, but just like protein bars, store-bought juices can contain a lot of hidden sugar that will cause blood sugar levels to rise and drop dramatically. This is again not ideal when you are preparing for exercise.

Vegetables

Although we try to get one in five a day, vegetables can damage your stomach before exercising. While your body needs fiber, try to stay away from fiber-rich vegetables such as broccoli and broccoli before exercising. Instead, stick to foods that dilute your belly such as potatoes or asparagus.