Good nutrition is crucial in keeping your body functioning at optimum levels, as well as helping you look and feel great. Your body utilises everything you eat and drink; food is broken down into chemicals that make up the cells in your body. The quality of your nutrition is vital. You truly ARE what you eat!
- Eat a small amount of protein with every meal - it helps repair and build muscle tissue; especially important after training.
- Swap simple for complex carbohydrates: a wholemeal bagel instead of a white one, swap white rice for brown. Complex carbs take longer to break down in the intestine, keeping your blood sugar levels constant.
- Avoid fast and processed food as they contain high levels of salt, sugars, sweeteners and MSG (monosodium glutamate)
- Steer clear of hydrogenated vegetable fat (trans fats) commonly found in cakes, biscuits and crisps. It is a foreign substance to our bodies and has also been linked to coronary heart disease.
- Cut down extra sugar, sweeteners and salt in your food and drinks.
- Limit alcohol intake: average glass of wine is 250 calories - a few of those and you're on your way to sabotaging your daily healthy eating.
- Increase oily fish and seeds in your diet to get your essential omega-3 and omega-6; these fatty acids are not produced by the body and play a crucial role in brain function, body growth and development.
- Snack on fresh/dried fruit with natural bio yogurt , and unprocessed nuts such as almonds, they are a great source of protein and fibre.
- Always eat breakfast as this kick-starts your metabolism for the day.
- Watch portion sizes: Meat should be the size of your palm. Limit your carbohydrates (such as rice, potatoes or pasta) to a small handful.