8 Foods You Should Never Eat Before You Swim
Don't dive in to these foods before you dive in.
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You've heard it before: Don't eat before swimming. But is there really truth to this?
"While it is a common tip from grandma to avoid swimming after eating, the true advice related to this topic isn’t as black-and-white as you may have heard," said Lauren Manaker, registered dietician. "There is no true evidence showing that people must avoid food before swimming."
But if you eat a large, heavy meal before swimming, she notes that your body might prioritize digestion, which would leave your arms and legs missing some of the oxygen it needs for swimming.
There's no need to avoid eating if you're simply hanging out in a pool, but Manaker said that if you're preparing for a swim race, you should avoid eating heavy meals. "But, eating something light and hydrating, like watermelon, may actually help your body perform at its best," she said. "While eating before a swim may result in some tummy discomfort for some, it is unlikely that it will result in any detrimental effects."
If you're heading out for a swim and want to avoid any discomfort, there are some foods and drinks you might want to steer clear of. Here are some of the things you might want to save for after your swim.
Alcohol
While you probably associate a cocktail or summer beer with the beach, alcohol can lead to dehydration, not to mention impaired judgement.
"People may not feel thirsty or realize how hot it is outside when they are in the water," said Manaker. "The combination of sitting in the hot sun and consuming alcoholic drinks can result in a person becoming extremely dehydrated, which can result in some very scary and unsavory effects."
Spicy Foods
"Spicy foods may cause gastrointestinal distress for some, which is something that people clearly want to avoid when they are having a day at the pool," said Manaker.
Also, since your body is often in a horizontal position when you're swimming, acid reflux can become an issue, and spicy foods can make it worse.
Coffee
Caffeine might give you a burst of energy for swimming laps, but the negative effects outweigh the positives. Drinking coffee and energy drinks could cause you to experience diarrhea or nausea in the water, plus there's a good chance you'll get dehydrated.
Ice Cream
Eating foods with high fat content before taking a swim can lead to indigestion and discomfort, and ice cream is a major culprit. Sherbet or sorbet might be a better option for a frozen, poolside treat.
Fried Foods
Fried foods, such as potato chips or fried chicken, should be avoided, according to Manaker.
Fruit Juice & Soda
Hydrate with water or sports drinks instead of fruit juices and sugary sodas, as these can cause bloating and cramping. The content of these beverages puts pressure on the outer layer of your abdominal wall, which can put a damper on any swimming excursion.
Celery
Certain foods, like celery, can cause a chemical reaction that makes your skin hypersensitive to ultraviolet light. Sun exposure after eating celery or even having the juices on your hands after slicing the vegetable can up your chances of getting burns and blisters on your skin. Definitely avoid this before a day swimming at the pool or beach!
Beans
Beans and legumes like lentils and split peas have tons of fiber, which is great for your health, but not ideal when it comes to feeling great in your swimsuit. If you eat lots of them before swimming, you could experience constipation, bloating and cramping—none of which are great when you're splashing around in the pool.
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