9. Soda or Beer
An icy cold beverage or beer may be part of your post-workout routine, but they aren’t the healthiest method to rehydrate. After exercise, your body needs water, but White says that sugary drinks and alcohol might actually make you even more dehydrated.
When it comes to nutrition, “soda gives just sugar with no additional value,” as White puts it. This should be the Worst Foods to Eat After a Workout.
The ACE also reports that drinking alcohol might hinder post-workout muscle recovery. Furthermore, it may reduce glycogen storage, which might reduce energy levels during your subsequent exercise.
While the occasional beer or soda to celebrate a race’s completion is OK, making it a regular occurrence is not. White recommends coconut water as an alternative hydration option for those who like the taste of the drink. Coconut water is a great source of electrolytes, hydration, and flavor.
10. Processed Protein Bars
Protein is important after an exercise, but some protein bars, says Taub-Dix, include a lot of junk you don’t need.
Many processed protein bars include sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, in addition to the added sugar found in most bars, which might produce an upset stomach, according to Taub-Dix. The Mayo Clinic reports that the use of artificial sweeteners may lead to diarrhea, gas, and bloating in some people. Keep an eye out for the sugar substitutes acesulfame potassium, aspartame, and sucralose on labels.
Taub-Dix recommends that protein bar fans seek a product made with whole grains, nuts and seeds, and dried fruit in order to provide the highest quality and most nutritious product possible. Choose a protein bar that has a lot of protein but not a lot of sugar.