What to Avoid if You Want to See Better Progress in the Gym
Progress in the Gym. As you go to the gym, you want to make sure you’re actually seeing results. What you eat can really make a difference in whether or not your gym sessions pay off. Your diet and exercise work together, so there are some foods you should try to avoid.
Refined Carbs
Carbohydrates, or carbs, are one of the macronutrients that everyone needs. However, there is a major difference between whole carbs and refined carbs. Whole carbs are not as processed (often not processed at all) and they contain fiber and other important nutrients. Refined carbs have been highly processed in order to improve flavor and/or shelf-life. These carbs lack the important nutrients you need and often have many sugars. Refined carbs are considered empty calories because they give you very little nutrition. If you want to see results from the gym, prioritize eating whole carbs.
Sugary Drinks
When you hit the gym, you might bring a sports drink or two with you to help keep you energized and hydrated. Sports drinks are popular among athletes but they contain a lot of added sugars. These types of drinks are highly flavored and sugar is added to improve the flavor and to provide another source of energy. Of course, these drinks do have their benefits. They provide you with a spike of energy and they have electrolytes that can replenish what you lose during exercise. However, the added sugars can outweigh the benefits. Too much sugar can actually lead to more weight gain despite the work you do at the gym. If you want a sports drink or other flavored drink, check the sugar content. Low sugar and zero sugar drinks are your best bet and will help in your progress in the gym.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can have many negative effects on your workout plan. One important thing to keep in mind is that alcoholic drinks are often very calorie dense without offering any nutrients. This leads to you taking in more calories than you need. Additionally, your body is not able to burn fat well because it is more focused on processing the alcohol in your body. Alcohol can also lead to an increased appetite and drinking one day can discourage you from exercising the next. For the sake of your workout plan, try to avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
As with everything, moderation is essential. When it comes to these foods, you want to avoid them as much as possible, but it’s still okay if you have them occasionally. Make the best choices for your diet and workout plan and see progress in the Gym.
Check out this article on how to track your progress as part of your progress plan!