Foods Athletes Should Avoid

Athletes must maintain a healthy and nutritious diet.

Athletes have to follow a strict diet plan so they can perform. Food will affect people mentally and physically, especially when it is consumed before or after an athlete performs. Portions also are important for athletes to consider, so there is a good balance of not being hungry or too full. There are certain things that athletes should always avoid so they can maintain clarity, focus and energy levels.

Sugar

Ice cream contains high amounts of sugar and fat.

Athletes should avoid foods that contain sugar. This means no sweet baked goods, candy, ice cream, soda and puddings. These items are made with refined sugar, and they also are loaded with trans fat and artificial additives. The other important thing to consider is that these foods have no nutritional value. These foods contain butter, margarine and hydrogenated oil. Sweet foods that are made with sugar cause your blood sugar level to drop, and when this happens it can cause a person to become tired and fatigued, which is not ideal for athletes.

Fried Foods

Fried foods are full of fat and oil.

Fried foods should also be avoided when you are an athlete because they are full of oil and so loaded with fats that they are hard for people to digest. These foods will make athletes feel tired, lethargic, a lack of concentration and will create a fullness and heaviness in the stomach. When foods are fried at a high heat, they contain carcinogens and neurotoxins that are cancer-causing agents. This includes foods like french fries, potato chips, fried chicken and fried pastries. Fried foods also raise cholesterol, clog arteries and increase the chances of developing diabetes and heart disease.

Processed Foods

Processed foods tend to contain high amounts of sodium.

Athletes should avoid processed foods because they are not good people who rely on their bodies for extreme performance. 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. Sweetened breakfast cereals and processed meats also should be avoided.

References

• IloveIndia:Foods To Avoid For Sports Performance
• Body Ecology: The Six Thousand Hidden Dangers of Processed Foods (and What to Choose Instead)