Of course, there are a number of reasons for feeling uneasy and lethargic in the pool. However, the food you eat before swimming plays a major role. If you are a swimming enthusiast or simply enjoy leisure activity, you may have experienced this feeling at some point in life. Try eliminating these foods before a swim and see the difference.
Hot sunny days are better spent by the poolside. If you can get time for a swim there shouldn't be interruptions, especially from your body. One minute you are cooling off from the sweltering heat, floating, and enjoying the breeze, and the next minute you are feeling tired, uneasy, and lethargic, and getting out of the pool earlier than anticipated. This is the hot and cold experience of the pool which can be induced by eating the wrong food before taking a plunge.
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Experts recommend avoiding these foods before swimming because they can impact your performance and overall experience in the water.
1. Beans
Beans are an excellent source of fibre. However, this means that they take longer to digest. So by the time you start swimming, your body will be working overtime to allow you a nice swim. You may experience digestion issues like bloating, constipation, and cramping.
2. Spicy foods
Because swimming calls for a near-constant horizontal position, this can put you at risk of acid reflux. Spicy foods may aggravate acid reflux and affect your performance in the pool. Avoid spicy foods at all costs before your swimming session.
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3. Sugary foods and drinks
A sugar rush is a bad idea if you are going to swim. You may be thinking that the rush will make you more energetic and help you last longer. It may even make the experience more invigorating. For the first few minutes at least. Soon as the sugar rush wears off, you will crash feeling tired and lethargic.
4. Dairy products
It is better to have dairy products after your swim to replenish your energy. However, if you take them before they are high in saturated fat which can trigger digestive issues such as bloating.
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5. Coffee
Coffee is a diuretic so it may make you feel dehydrated and also increase urine production. In addition, you may feel nauseous. So that energy kick from caffeine is not worth it.
Foods to eat after swimming
After swimming, you should focus on getting your energy levels back with essential nutrients. So some of the foods mentioned above may not be applicable here. Dairy products may be applicable, chicken, brown rice, and nuts, among others.