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What NOT to Eat Before a Triathlon

Aug 09, 2024

Could you be sabotaging your race-day performance with the wrong pre-race foods?

Having worked with triathletes for the past 16 years, I've seen far too many show up to a race with no clear plan for their nutrition and undoing the months of hard training they put in. I don’t want that to happen to you so today I’m talking about what NOT to eat before you get to that start line.

Minimise Fibre

Normally, fibre is fantastic—it's essential for keeping our gut microbes happy, supporting our immune system, and so much more. However, in the days leading up to a triathlon, it’s wise to reduce your fibre. Avoid nuts, seeds, and legumes, and be careful with your fruit and vegetables. Instead of whole grains, opt for white bread or pasta to reduce the fibre content. This will reduce the bulk in your gut and the chance of gastrointestinal upset during your race.

Monitor Your Fat Intake

Healthy fats are a key part of your daily diet, but in the days before a race, it’s best to cut back. High-fat foods can slow down digestion and increase the risk of gastric issues, neither of which you want on race day. So, avoid fatty meats, avocados, creamy sauces, pastries, and anything else with a high-fat content.

Avoid Spicy Foods

Spicy foods increase the risk of heartburn and can cause stomach upset, which are both bad news on race day. Even if you usually tolerate spicy foods well, it's best to keep things mild in the days leading up to your event. Say no to hot curries and focus on gentle, easy-to-digest foods to keep your stomach settled.

Consider Dairy Carefully

This one is more personal. Some people find dairy problematic and if you’re one of them, you should avoid it in the lead-up to the race If you don’t usually have issues with dairy, there’s no need to cut it out. The key is to stick to simple, plain foods that you know your stomach handles well.

Skip the Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated drinks like soda or even sparkling water introduce extra gas into your digestive system which can lead to bloating and discomfort. It’s not worth the risk, so opt for still water and hydration drinks in the days before your race.

Eliminate Alcohol

This might seem obvious, but avoiding alcohol before a race is crucial. Alcohol can negatively affect your sleep, dehydrate you, and put additional stress on your liver. All of these factors make it difficult to reach peak performance, so avoid alcohol as much as possible leading up to race day.

Stay Clear of Unknown Foods

The days leading up to a race are not the time to be experimenting with new meals or ingredients. Stick to foods you are familiar with and have practised eating during training, as unknown foods could lead to unexpected gut issues. If you're travelling and can't access your usual foods, plan ahead as much as possible. Research local restaurants and their menus to find safe, familiar options that you can rehearse in training.

As you prepare for your next big race, remember that proper nutrition isn’t just about what you eat on the day. It starts a week before and continues right through to your recovery post-race. So, make smart choices, practice your nutrition strategy as rigorously as you train, and set yourself up for success.

If any part of this feels overwhelming, or if you want to dive deeper, consider joining the Triathlon Nutrition Academy program. We cover everything from pre-training to race-day nutrition and beyond. Our goal is to make you not just survive but thrive in your racing journey.