7 foods you should never eat before a swim
Even if you’ve left half an hour between your meal and swim, there are still some foods best avoided. Good Housekeeping has put together a list of seven foods you should never eat before a swim. Avoid these foods before diving in the deep end.
1. Ice cream
An ice cream and refreshing swim might seem like a winning combination in summer, but it’s one that can leave you with an upset stomach. The high fat content of ice cream can lead to cramps, indigestion and all kinds of swimming discomfort.
2. Spicy foods
Acid reflux can be a big problem for swimmers who find their bodies in a horizontal position, and spicy foods are the one thing that can make it worse. That’s why you should try to steer clear of any chilli-based dishes or hot sauces before diving in.
3. Fruit juice or soft drink
If you don’t want bloating or cramping to be part of your swimming experience, you’re better off avoiding fruit juice or soft drink. Fruit juice and soft drink can also put pressure on the outer walls of your abdominal area which can lead to cramping.
4. Alcohol
It’s generally a good idea to go easy on the sauce when you’re in and around the pool. Not only can alcohol increase your risk of dehydration, it also impairs your judgement.
5. Beans
Beans and legumes are a great source of fibre, but not so useful when you’re donning a swimsuit. By eating too many beans before a big swim, you’re putting yourself at risk of bloating, cramping and the dreaded constipation, enough to ruin any swim.
6. Coffee
It might seem like a bright idea to get a shot of energy before your laps, but drinking coffee will most probably do more harm than good. Not only is there the chance of dehydration, there’s also the change you will experience diarrhoea or nausea in the water.
7. Celery
Here’s an interesting one. Celery has been known to cause a chemical reaction that makes your skin sensitive to ultraviolet light which can potentially lead to irritation.
Are there any foods you avoid before swimming? Let us know in the comments.
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