These Are The Foods You Should Never Eat After A Workout

1. Caffeine

Caffeine raises our body’s stress hormone cortisol. Exercise is essential to health, but it is also a stressor on the body causing cortisol release. Too much cortisol can increase inflammation, cardiovascular issues, immunity and hormonal imbalances.

2. Fried foods

Deep-fried fast foods contain little health benefit and can often contain harmful trans-fats. Instead of opting for fried foods, choose a baked or steamed protein such as fish or chicken, along with a complex carb such as boiled rice, baked sweet potato or grilled vegetables.

3. Salty processed foods

Instead of reaching for salty processed foods, opting for a snack such as a banana is a great option for replenishing potassium levels.

4. Sports drinks

Sports drinks are often extremely high in sugar, sweeteners or chemicals. Choosing filtered water, raw coconut water or a healthy protein smoothie are better options as they don’t contain the syrupy ingredients that spike blood sugar and zap energy.

5. Low-carb meals

Opting for 'smart carbohydrates' (whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables) rather than refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta or flour products) is a better choice since it ensures you have sustained energy throughout your day.

6. Processed energy bars

Some energy bars can be a convenient option for those busy days, but remember to avoid ultra-processed energy bars with lengthy ingredients lists or snack bars that contain artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame), refined sugar, or high levels of natural sugar.

7. Sugary post-workout shakes

Not all protein powders are created equal. Watch out for sugar-laden protein powders or worse, artificially sweetened shakes which may include fillers, chemicals and bulking agents.