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CrossFit workouts provide you with an excellent means of really getting into shape, boosting fitness levels, burning calories and fat, and achieving a great physique. However, it is important to remember that these benefits do not only come from working out – what you eat also plays a big part when it comes to achieving your fitness goals.
These workouts can be intense, and this means you need to get the right nutrition in place by eating the right foods. Protein, for example, is a very important component of your diet when you do regular CrossFit workouts, so you need to ensure you are eating a diet that is suited to your needs. This means knowing what foods to eat and what you should avoid, and we will learn more about the latter in this article.
Some of the Key Foods to Steer Clear Of
The nutrition you get when you participate in CrossFit workouts can have an impact on everything from your performance and stamina to the results you achieve. This is why it is so important for you to eat the right foods and avoid the ones that will have a negative impact on performance and results. Some of the main foods you need to avoid when doing CrossFit workouts include:
Raw Veggies Before a Workout
Many people who are looking for something to snack on before they work out turn to raw vegetables, which most would consider to be healthy. However, while they are healthy, they can also increase the chances of a tummy upset, which is the last thing you want when you are getting geared up for your CrossFit workout. These workouts can be intense, so any gassiness, bloating, and tummy upsets can have a serious negative impact.
High-Sugar Carbs
Potatoes, bread, white rice, and other high-sugar carbohydrates need to be avoided as well, as these will cause a spike and crash when it comes to your levels of insulin. These are products that are all very high on the Glycemic Index, which makes them a very bad choice for those who are involved in CrossFit and other fitness regimes. Instead, you can enjoy the complex carbs that come from whole grains, as these digest gradually so they are far better for those who are working out.
Food that Is Fried
We all know that eating a lot of fried food is bad for our health, which is why it is important to look at alternative cooking methods. When you are going through the intensity of CrossFit training, you need to have the right nutrition, and this is not something you are going to get from eating fried food! This type of food offers little by way of nutrition and, instead, boosts your unhealthy fat intake, which will leave you feeling sluggish and drained.
Processed Foods
In today’s hectic world, many of us are guilty of turning to processed foods for ease and convenience, but when you are doing CrossFit workouts, this type of food won’t give you the nutrition you need. They are packed with artificial ingredients and sugar, which means you will find it harder to do your workout and will start to put weight on. Pastries, crackers, bagels, and even granola bars should all be avoided.
Sweetened Flavored Yogurt
Most of us think that enjoying a yogurt as a snack is a great way to keep the hunger pangs at bay while being healthy. However, it does depend on the type of yogurt you have as to whether it is healthy and suited to CrossFit workouts. If you have flavored, sweetened yogurt, you get less protein and other necessary nutrients. So, you should opt for unsweetened, natural Greek yogurt without flavoring and then simply add some fresh fruit such as a sliced banana.
Why You Need to Avoid the Wrong Foods
The intensity of CrossFit workouts makes it all the more important to ensure you have the right nutrition. If you do not eat the right food and get the right nutrients, it can impact your workout in a variety of ways. You will find it far more difficult to muster up the energy you need without the right food, and this means that your performance will suffer.
In addition, the wrong food can make it more difficult for you to recover from your workout. Of course, there is also the problem of weight gain, which is another issue that comes from eating the wrong foods when CrossFit training.
So, What Should You Eat?
The good news is that you have plenty of choices when it comes to what you can eat. You will find plenty of foods that provide you with the right vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, as well as ensuring you benefit from a steady flow of energy for your CrossFit workout. Some of the foods that are ideal for those who participate in CrossFit training are:
· Lentils, which have lots of protein
· Fresh berries and fruit, which are ideal for after your workout
· Nuts and seeds, which are very nutritious and contain Omega-3 fatty acids
· Sweet potatoes, which are perfect for an energy boost
· Banana and peanut butter snack, which is packed with nutrients
· Eggs, which are considered perfect for those who do CrossFit workouts
· Brown rice, which is a healthy variation that is not refined
· Oatmeal, which is great either before or after your workout
These are just some of the many foods you can choose from if you want to get the best from your CrossFit workouts.
Boost Performance with the Right Food
With the right diet and food, and by avoiding certain types of food, you can get the best out of your CrossFit workouts and boost performance. By eating the right things, you can get the nutrients and energy you need for your intensive workouts, but you will also be able to benefit your health. Switching to more wholesome foods is an important step toward leading a healthier lifestyle.
Author Bio
Tom Parry is the owner and head coach for CrossTown Fitness. As well as focusing on CrossFit training, Tom works to rehabilitate athletes to full health.
