Hey Warriors! We need to talk. I know the cool thing right now is to inject yourself with the latest quick fix, but there are simple things you can do to improve your health before you look to drugs. Specifically, there are likely a few sneaky foods in your diet sabotaging all your hard work. Yep, I’m talking about three culprits that should be evicted from your diet immediately.
Note: We are not medical doctors and weight loss drugs may be appropriate for you depending on your health history. Always consult your doctor before starting any diet, supplement, or workout routine.
3 Foods to Eliminate from Your Diet Now
1. Alcohol - The Party Pooper
Ah, alcohol. The life of the party, the social lubricant, the culprit behind millions of questionable decisions no one wants to remember. While a glass of wine might make you feel relaxed, and a cold beer might feel like the perfect reward after a tough workout, alcohol is more of a party pooper when it comes to your fitness goals and health.
Some studies suggest alcohol can be beneficial for your health, but we don't feel the benefits outweigh the risks. Sure a couple beers a week probably won't zap your gains, but drinking every day adds up and will add to your waistline.
Why It’s Bad
- Empty Calories: Alcohol is packed with calories but provides zero nutritional benefits. It's like drinking liquid donuts!
- Muscle Soreness: It can increase muscle soreness, making your post-leg day hobble even more dramatic. This is likely due to it's impact on the body's electrolyte balance and other waste products created when it is metabolized.
- Dehydration: Alcohol dehydrates you faster than a CrossFit WOD in sauna.
My Personal Anecdote
A buddy of mine, who did not want to be named in this post, recently quit drinking alcohol, and the results were nothing short of a Harry Potter spell. The dude lost 30 lbs in 3-4 months without doing anything, but cutting out the daily beers. No workouts or diets. He just got rid of the nightly Coors Lights. That's it.
As we have mentioned here many times, the key to a six-pack isn’t in the gym—sometimes it’s in saying goodbye to Captain Morgan.
2. Sugary Drinks and Sodas
If you've been guzzling sugary drinks, energy drinks, or sodas thinking they’re the nectar of the gods, or good for you because they have "electrolytes" in them, it’s time for a reality check. These sugary concoctions are more like a mermaid's sirens luring you into the sea where you will drown slowly in empty calories and excess sugar.
Why They’re Bad
- Sugar High, Energy Low: The spike in sugar gives you a quick high followed by an epic crash, making you feel like you’re running on fumes during your workouts.
- Weight Gain: Your body can only use so much glucose, all the excess sugar gets stored as fat. No amount of planking will erase that soda belly. Just like beer, these drinks are just added calories.
- Dental Disasters: Your dentist will become your new best friend, and not in a good way. Most of these drinks are highly acidic and eat through the enamel of your teeth.
3. Processed Carbohydrates and Snacks - The Sneaky Snackers
Ah, processed carbs—the comfort foods we all love to hate. Unfortunately for us, foods scientists have made snack foods so stimulating they are like recreational drugs. From chips to cookies to that irresistible pizza crust, these sneaky snackers are the ultimate diet saboteurs and can destroy your abs and health.
Like with alcohol, everything is probably fine in moderation. It is when you over consume chips, bread, ice cream, and sugary cereal that it becomes a problem.
Why They’re Bad
- Blood Sugar Rollercoaster: They cause drastic fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leaving you hungry and cranky. They can also contribute to insulin issues.
- Nutrient Deficient: They lack essential nutrients, making them about as useful as a chocolate teapot. They literally have to "fortify" them by adding vitamins to them or otherwise they would literally be devoid of anything useful for the body.
- Addictive Nature: Ever try to eat just one potato chip? It’s like trying to eat just one Pringle—you can’t!
Conclusion
Okay, it’s time to cut the crap—literally. By eliminating alcohol, sugary drinks, and processed carbohydrates from your diet, you’re not just improving your physique but also boosting your overall health.
No crazy diet required.
