5 Foods That Will Kill Your Workout

By Duncan Idaho

Are you dedicated to exercising but feel like you are still not seeing the results that you should be? You could be doing this to yourself. Getting fit is not just about exercising, it is also about what you eat. There are certain types of foods that you should eat sparingly or not at all if you are serious about getting in shape. The following 5 food types should be avoided except as an occasional treat to yourself.

1. Pastas, Bread, White Rice

These types of products contain starches that can inhibit your weight loss, and "empty calories" which will fill you up but give you no nutritional value. Instead, you should go for brown rice and wheat bread - they taste just as good and are actually healthy for you.

2. Pre Packaged Foods

Most all pre-packaged foods or TV dinners are pretty bad for your health. They contain lots of sodium and saturated fat, usually over 50% of your daily value in just one small meal. Also, they have lots of fake ingredients. These foods lack nutritional value and are about as good for you as eating dirt is. Instead, aim for fresh, whole foods - they may be a little more expensive, but you are doing a huge favor for your health.

3. Canned and Jar Foods

Canned and jarred foods contain large amounts of sugar and salt, and thus should be avoided. Stick to vegetables and fresh fruits for your best choice.

4. Caffeine

Our body requires a lot of water each day - 8 glasses worth, in fact - and not many of us properly supply it. Instead, we guzzle multiple cups worth of coffee each morning and drink sodas with our meals. Not only is caffeine bad for our bodies, the calories the come with soda and coffee (especially those fancy coffees - try 600 calories in a cappuccino latte) are terrible for our weight. Drinking water will not only start to make you feel better, it will also facilitate weight loss.

5. Alcohol

Moderation is the key with alcohol. Beer contains lots of calories, and the mixes in most mixed drinks do, too. A glass of red wine with dinner is ok (and even has some health benefits), but that is as far as it should go. You don't want to turn into one of those middle-aged guys with the beer gut or middle-aged woman with the belly flab, do you?

If you avoid these 5 things then I can guarantee that you will start to see more results from your exercising and just plain feel healthier. Use the money that you save from not buying any more alcohol to spend on buying healthier, whole foods for your meals instead of pre-packaged and canned food. To learn more on how to get fit, visit http://www.lifefitnessblog.com