10 Tips to help you eat more seafood
1. Eat a variety of seafood – Include some that are higher in omega-3s and lower in mercury, such as salmon, trout, oysters, Atlantic and Pacific mackerel, herring and sardines.
2. Keep it lean and flavorful – Try grilling, broiling, roasting, or baking – they don’t add extra fat. Avoid breading or frying seafood and creamy sauces, which add calories and fat. Using spices or herbs, such as dill, chili powder, paprika or cumin, and lemon or lime juice, can add flavor without adding salt.
3. Shellfish counts too! - Oysters, mussel, clams, and calamari (squid) all supply healthy omega-3s. Try mussels marinara, oyster stew, steamed clams, or pasta with calamari.
4. Keep seafood on hand – Canned seafood, such as canned salmon, tuna or sardines, is quick and easy to use. Canned white tuna is higher in omega-3s, but canned “light” tuna is lower in mercury.
5. Cook it safely – Check oysters, mussels, and clams before cooking. If shells don’t clamp shut when you tap them, throw them away. After cooking, also toss any that didn’t open. This means that they may not be safe to eat. Cook shrimp, lobster, and scallops until they are opaque (milky white). Cook fish to 145 degrees, until it flakes with a fork.
6. Get creative with seafood – Think beyond the fish fillet. Try salmon patties, a shrimp stir-fry, frilled fish tacos, or clams with whole-wheat pasta. Add variety by trying a new fish such as grilled Atlantic of Pacific mackerel, herring on a salad or oven-baked Pollock.
7. Put it on a salad or in a sandwich – Top a salad with grilled scallops, shrimp, or crab in place of steak or chicken. Use canned tuna or salmon for sandwiches in place of deli meats, which often are higher in sodium.
8. Shop smart – Eating more seafood does not have to be expensive. Whiting, tilapia, sardines, canned tuna, and some frozen seafood are usually lower cost options. Check the local newspaper, online, and at the store for sales, coupons, and specials to help save money on seafood.
9. Grow up healthy with seafood – Omega-3s fat from seafood can help improve nervous system development in infants and children. Serve seafood to children twice a week in portions appropriate for their age and appetite. A variety of seafood lower in mercury should also be part of a healthy diet for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
10. Know your seafood portions – To get 8 ounces of seafood a week, use these as guides: A drained can of tuna is about 3 to 4 ounces, a salmon steak ranges from 4 to 6 ounces, and 1 small trout is about 3 ounces.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
The Sweet Stuff Adds Up
Virgina started her day with a Coke on ice and sat a “fresh one” on her bed stand each night for more than a decade. She carried one with her, wherever she went, all day, every day. Virginia, was truly addicted to Coke. Wouldn’t you agree? And it’s not just the Cokes. It’s a slippery slope…that are included like the cookies, the donuts, snickers and other sweets. Giving it up would be very hard. Virginia, could definitely use some help.
Here’s a few suggestion to cut your sugar intake:
Go Natural: Keep your total sugar intake to 60 to 70 grams per day, with most coming from natural sources such as fruit. An orange, for example, has 12 to 15 grams of sugar.
Eat, not drink: Choose fruit, which has fiber, over fruit juice. Limit your intake of juice to 4 ounces per day. Eat the fruit instead.
Get to reading: Read and compare nutrition labels. Look for low sugar and no sugar.
Sub it out: Look for substitutes to high-sugar products. For example, try plain yogurt with only 4 grams of natural sugar. Mix it with a bit of vanilla and cinnamon to cut the tartness. Make fresh almond or walnut butter – many stores now have a machine that blends the nuts into a smooth spread for you.
Shop the edges: Fill most of your grocery cart with foods found on the perimeter of the store. It’s where you will find fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and dairy products.
Make it yourself: Limit the number of prepared foods. The fewer products with labels in your cart, the better.
Here’s a few suggestion to cut your sugar intake:
Go Natural: Keep your total sugar intake to 60 to 70 grams per day, with most coming from natural sources such as fruit. An orange, for example, has 12 to 15 grams of sugar.
Eat, not drink: Choose fruit, which has fiber, over fruit juice. Limit your intake of juice to 4 ounces per day. Eat the fruit instead.
Get to reading: Read and compare nutrition labels. Look for low sugar and no sugar.
Sub it out: Look for substitutes to high-sugar products. For example, try plain yogurt with only 4 grams of natural sugar. Mix it with a bit of vanilla and cinnamon to cut the tartness. Make fresh almond or walnut butter – many stores now have a machine that blends the nuts into a smooth spread for you.
Shop the edges: Fill most of your grocery cart with foods found on the perimeter of the store. It’s where you will find fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and dairy products.
Make it yourself: Limit the number of prepared foods. The fewer products with labels in your cart, the better.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Missing You!
Good morning, thank you to all whom i've received information as to why i've not been blogging. So much has happened that kept me from you, however it doesn't mean you weren't on my mind. I started teaching a Nutrition Program for school age children at a Private Independent School District and getting back into to Corporate Wellness Programs. I've been busy establishing my company and building my business. "I'm loving it".
I promise you will be hearing from me going forward at least once a week until i can get caught up. I have so much material to share.
Thank You for Your Patience,
Yours in Wellness,
Living Life Golden Blogger,
I promise you will be hearing from me going forward at least once a week until i can get caught up. I have so much material to share.
Thank You for Your Patience,
Yours in Wellness,
Living Life Golden Blogger,
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Green Giants
Growing up, green veggies were most likely one of everyone’s least favorite foods, especially mine. But the truth is, greens are your best friend. There’s a reason why doctors and nutritionists encourage you to eat more of them. Green vegetables are packed with all the necessary nutrients that help you ward off disease, lose weight and stay healthy, both inside and out.
Avocados – Benefits: One serving of avocado gives you 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, all of which help maintain healthy eyes, prevent chronic disease and contribute to weight loss. And this green fruit is packed with unsaturated fats, which are the good fats. In addition to health benefits, avocados offer a beauty boost when used in combination with two tablespoons of honey for a facial, or with a half cup of olive oil as a 30-minutes conditioning hair treatment.
How to eat them: Have a sweet, healthy treat with an avocado smoothie (it’s really great). They’re best east plain or as an additional to salads, lean meat, poultry or fish. For an interesting twist, puree an avocado to spread on toast or use as a butter substitute in baked goods.
Broccoli – Benefits: Loaded with vitamin C, broccoli fights wrinkles just as much as it fights cancer cells. Studies suggest that sulforaphane, a phytochemical found in the vegetable, can fight cancer already present in the body, while leaving normal cells unaffected.
How to eat them: The best way to enjoy broccoli is raw, as an afternoon snack with low-fat dressing or dip. To keep all the nutrients inside, steam or baked it. Toss it in a soup, salad, stir-fry, omelet or pasta for a little extra color and nutrition.
Brussels Sprouts – Benefits: These tiny cabbage greens are high in vitamin C, fiber and folate, and their potent anticancer properties block the growth of harmful cells.
How to eat them: Boiling typically results in the loss of the nutrients, try grilling or roasting them. They’re a delicious addition to vegetable kabobs, or try them breaded and baked. For parents who want to get the kids to eat these veggies, make candied Brussels sprouts: dust with brown sugar and a pinch of salt, microwave for five minutes and serves hot.
Edamame – Benefits: Omega 3s in these soybeans no only help fight against inflammation in the body, but it will give your skin a glowing look, too. They’re also loaded with protein into a salad.
How to eat them: The best way to enjoy edamame is the classic way: steam the pods ad add sea salt to taste – just don’t eat the pods! You can also toss the soybeans into a salad.
Kale – Benefits: As an excellent source of vitamins A and C, calcium and postassium, kale is cancer-fighting leafy green that also protects the heart and eyes, tanks t its high amount of antioxidants.
How to eat them: Add chopped kale to pasta about five minutes before the pasta is done boiling, or toss it in a mix of sautéed’ vegetables, cooking until wilted. To enjoy kale on it’s own, steam the leaves and season with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Swiss Chard – Benefits: Boost your antioxidant intake with this leafy green, which also has high amounts of biotin, the same as what you find in popular shampoos for maintaining strong, healthy hair. This veggie also helps strengthen your nails.
How to eat it: Instead of using a tortilla for wraps, burritos or tacos, cut off the stems of Swiss chard and steam the leaves briefly, filling the cooled leaves with all your favorite healthy fixings.
Avocados – Benefits: One serving of avocado gives you 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, all of which help maintain healthy eyes, prevent chronic disease and contribute to weight loss. And this green fruit is packed with unsaturated fats, which are the good fats. In addition to health benefits, avocados offer a beauty boost when used in combination with two tablespoons of honey for a facial, or with a half cup of olive oil as a 30-minutes conditioning hair treatment.
How to eat them: Have a sweet, healthy treat with an avocado smoothie (it’s really great). They’re best east plain or as an additional to salads, lean meat, poultry or fish. For an interesting twist, puree an avocado to spread on toast or use as a butter substitute in baked goods.
Broccoli – Benefits: Loaded with vitamin C, broccoli fights wrinkles just as much as it fights cancer cells. Studies suggest that sulforaphane, a phytochemical found in the vegetable, can fight cancer already present in the body, while leaving normal cells unaffected.
How to eat them: The best way to enjoy broccoli is raw, as an afternoon snack with low-fat dressing or dip. To keep all the nutrients inside, steam or baked it. Toss it in a soup, salad, stir-fry, omelet or pasta for a little extra color and nutrition.
Brussels Sprouts – Benefits: These tiny cabbage greens are high in vitamin C, fiber and folate, and their potent anticancer properties block the growth of harmful cells.
How to eat them: Boiling typically results in the loss of the nutrients, try grilling or roasting them. They’re a delicious addition to vegetable kabobs, or try them breaded and baked. For parents who want to get the kids to eat these veggies, make candied Brussels sprouts: dust with brown sugar and a pinch of salt, microwave for five minutes and serves hot.
Edamame – Benefits: Omega 3s in these soybeans no only help fight against inflammation in the body, but it will give your skin a glowing look, too. They’re also loaded with protein into a salad.
How to eat them: The best way to enjoy edamame is the classic way: steam the pods ad add sea salt to taste – just don’t eat the pods! You can also toss the soybeans into a salad.
Kale – Benefits: As an excellent source of vitamins A and C, calcium and postassium, kale is cancer-fighting leafy green that also protects the heart and eyes, tanks t its high amount of antioxidants.
How to eat them: Add chopped kale to pasta about five minutes before the pasta is done boiling, or toss it in a mix of sautéed’ vegetables, cooking until wilted. To enjoy kale on it’s own, steam the leaves and season with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Swiss Chard – Benefits: Boost your antioxidant intake with this leafy green, which also has high amounts of biotin, the same as what you find in popular shampoos for maintaining strong, healthy hair. This veggie also helps strengthen your nails.
How to eat it: Instead of using a tortilla for wraps, burritos or tacos, cut off the stems of Swiss chard and steam the leaves briefly, filling the cooled leaves with all your favorite healthy fixings.
Why Eat Real? Why Eat Clean?
The nations first Food Day is October 24, 2011 sponsored by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). The purpose of the Food Day is to bring people together from all walks of life to push for healthy, affordable food produced in sustainable, humane way.
“Real food tastes great. Meals are built around vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are delicious and satisfying. Too many Americans are eating diets composed of salty, overly processed packaged foods clad in cardboard and plastic: high calorie sugary drinks that pack on pounds and rot teeth, but have no nutritional benefit; and fast-food meals made of white bread, fatty grain-fed factory-farmed meat, French fries, 2atty pizzas and more soda still. What we should eat should be bolstering our health, but instead it’s actually contributing to several hundred thousand premature deaths from heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and cancer each year. What’s more, the way our food is produced is often harmful to farm workers, the environment, and farm animals.”
The movement isn’t new. Some might remember the natural food movement during those days of love and peace in the 1960s. Alarmed by the growing list of chemicals and pesticides in food, took up the charge in the 80s, Ralph Nader wrote Eating Clean: Overcoming Food Hazards in 1984.
The clean eating premise is simple-eat a whole (natural) and pure as possible. Others add additional parameters such as eat six small meals a day instead off three large ones, or include lean protein and carbohydrate at each meal.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as close to their natural state as possible. Think minimal processing – a baked potato versus French fries, corn-on-the-cob versus corn chips. Nature-made not man-made.
• Eat fruits and vegetables in season mainly, eat organic as much as possible and eat local whatever possible. Be sure to shop your local farmers markets.
• Include whole-grains-brown rice, wheat berries, quinoa, barley. Get the full benefit of nature’s bounty. Avoid refined products that have been stripped of their vital nutrients like white rice, white bread and white sugar.
• Eat legumes (beans)-a great source of lean protein and fiber.
• If you include meat in your diet, buy lean cuts, organic, and hormone free. At the very least, avoid pre-packaged cuts and packaged ground meat-you don’t really know what’s in it, or what’s been added like saline solution to “plump it up.” By lean cuts from the butcher and have it ground for you while you wait, if you don’t want to ground it yourself. Avoid all processed meats (hot dogs, lunchmeat, sausage, etc.) These contain nitrates which have been linked to colon cancer.
• If you include diary in your diet, be sure it’s organic, low fat and with no rBGH.
• Exercise 30 minutes a day or at least an 60 minutes most days of the week.
• Purchase products with few ingredients, remember, less is MORE!
• Read labels, and above all, don’t believe any claim on the front of the box. Be sure the ingredients and nutritional information support the claims.
• Celebrate Food Day with a real meal!
“Real food tastes great. Meals are built around vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are delicious and satisfying. Too many Americans are eating diets composed of salty, overly processed packaged foods clad in cardboard and plastic: high calorie sugary drinks that pack on pounds and rot teeth, but have no nutritional benefit; and fast-food meals made of white bread, fatty grain-fed factory-farmed meat, French fries, 2atty pizzas and more soda still. What we should eat should be bolstering our health, but instead it’s actually contributing to several hundred thousand premature deaths from heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and cancer each year. What’s more, the way our food is produced is often harmful to farm workers, the environment, and farm animals.”
The movement isn’t new. Some might remember the natural food movement during those days of love and peace in the 1960s. Alarmed by the growing list of chemicals and pesticides in food, took up the charge in the 80s, Ralph Nader wrote Eating Clean: Overcoming Food Hazards in 1984.
The clean eating premise is simple-eat a whole (natural) and pure as possible. Others add additional parameters such as eat six small meals a day instead off three large ones, or include lean protein and carbohydrate at each meal.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as close to their natural state as possible. Think minimal processing – a baked potato versus French fries, corn-on-the-cob versus corn chips. Nature-made not man-made.
• Eat fruits and vegetables in season mainly, eat organic as much as possible and eat local whatever possible. Be sure to shop your local farmers markets.
• Include whole-grains-brown rice, wheat berries, quinoa, barley. Get the full benefit of nature’s bounty. Avoid refined products that have been stripped of their vital nutrients like white rice, white bread and white sugar.
• Eat legumes (beans)-a great source of lean protein and fiber.
• If you include meat in your diet, buy lean cuts, organic, and hormone free. At the very least, avoid pre-packaged cuts and packaged ground meat-you don’t really know what’s in it, or what’s been added like saline solution to “plump it up.” By lean cuts from the butcher and have it ground for you while you wait, if you don’t want to ground it yourself. Avoid all processed meats (hot dogs, lunchmeat, sausage, etc.) These contain nitrates which have been linked to colon cancer.
• If you include diary in your diet, be sure it’s organic, low fat and with no rBGH.
• Exercise 30 minutes a day or at least an 60 minutes most days of the week.
• Purchase products with few ingredients, remember, less is MORE!
• Read labels, and above all, don’t believe any claim on the front of the box. Be sure the ingredients and nutritional information support the claims.
• Celebrate Food Day with a real meal!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Whole Grains are the Whole Package
Whole Grains are the Whole Package
These Natural Grains Pack a Nutritional Punch
Health experts agree that we need to eat more whole grains for optimal health. But most people don’t know what whole grains are. They have been known to reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity, but knowing the health benefits doesn’t help you find them in your local grocery store or learn how to cook with them.
The Definition of Whole Grain
Every grain starts as a whole grain when it grows from the earth. The whole grain (actually the seed or kernel of the plant) has three parts: the bran, the germ and the endosperm.
1. The bran is the outer skin of the seed that contains antioxidants, B vitamins and fiber. (You may have heard of wheat bran or oat bran, which are available in stores and are common ingredients in certain cereals.)
2. The germ is the “baby” of the seed, which grows into a new plant when pollinated. It contains many vitamins, along with protein, minerals and healthy fats. (You may have seen jars of toasted wheat germs in stores, which can be added to a variety of foods to boost nutritional content.)
3. The endosperm is the seed’s food supply that provide that provides the energy needed for the young plant to grow. The largest portion of the seed contains carbohydrates, and smaller amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals.
So the whole grain is one that contains all three parts of the kernel.
Whole grains are processed and refined (the most common practice for making breads, cereals, pastas and flours), the bran and germ are removed, leaving behind the white endosperm. During the process, grains become less nutritious, losing 25% of their original protein content and 17other essential nutrients. While manufactures then enrich” the flour with some vitamins and minerals, a naturally whole grain is still a healthier choice. Compared to refined grains (white bread, white rice, white flour) whole grains pack more protein, fiber, vitamins (B vitamins and vitamin E), and minerals (magnesium and iron, as well as some antioxidants not found in other foods.
Types of whole Grains: Wild rice (which is not actually a seed), brown rice, whole wheat, oatmeal (and whole oats), barley, whole rye, bulgur and popcorn.
Some less common types of whole grains include: amaranth, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and triticale (a hybrid type of rye and wheat).
Adding Whole Grains to Your Diet
New dietary guideline established by the U.S. Government in 2005 recommend that half of your daily grains servings should be whole grains. The easiest way to increase the amount of whole grains you consume is to substitute some processed grains products with their whole grain equivalent. This is as simple as having a slice of whole grain toast, instead of using a slice of white bread in the morning for breakfast or instead of using white flour for pancakes, use whole wheat flour instead. If you’re making homemade soup, toss in a handful of brown rice or barley for added fiber. Make your dessert a healthy one, such as making oatmeal cookies and you won’t feel guilty-you’re adding whole grains!
Reading Food Labels
While at the grocery store, be extra careful reading food labels. Words such as multi grains, stone ground cracked wheat or seven grains don’t necessarily mean the product is made with whole grains. Color doesn’t mean a whole grain either- some brown breads are simply white bread with added caramel color. There is an official whole grain packaging symbol in 2005 created by The Whole Grain Council, called the Whole Grain Stamp that helps consumers find whole grain products. Example: the first ingredient of whole grain bread or cracked should be “whole wheat flour”.
You should next switch to whole wheat pasta and brown rice, to increase your consumption of whole grain. One cup of whole wheat pasta has about 200 calories and 4 grams of fiber.
Brown rice is healthier than white rice and has significantly more nutrients. The refining process that transforms brown rice into polished, white rice strips away most the vitamins and minerals and completely removes all of the fiber and essential fatty acids-basically leaving only the starch behind. Brown rice is a concentrated source for fiber, which speeds up the removal of cancer-casing substances from our bodies. It is also an excellent source of selenium, which has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Studies Prove the Benefits of Whole Grains
A 2006 study by Tufts University showed that people who consume the most whole grains are 42% less likely to develop diabetes. Research has found that people with a diet high in whole grains showed a lower risk of both diabetes and heart found that people with a diet high in grains showed a lower risk of both diabetes and heart disease. Whether you want to reduce the risk of disease or you simply want to eat fewer processed foods, adding whole grains to your diet makes sense. So the next time you sit down to watch a movie, bring along a bowl of popcorn and snack with a clear conscious. Whole grains couldn’t be tastier!
These Natural Grains Pack a Nutritional Punch
Health experts agree that we need to eat more whole grains for optimal health. But most people don’t know what whole grains are. They have been known to reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity, but knowing the health benefits doesn’t help you find them in your local grocery store or learn how to cook with them.
The Definition of Whole Grain
Every grain starts as a whole grain when it grows from the earth. The whole grain (actually the seed or kernel of the plant) has three parts: the bran, the germ and the endosperm.
1. The bran is the outer skin of the seed that contains antioxidants, B vitamins and fiber. (You may have heard of wheat bran or oat bran, which are available in stores and are common ingredients in certain cereals.)
2. The germ is the “baby” of the seed, which grows into a new plant when pollinated. It contains many vitamins, along with protein, minerals and healthy fats. (You may have seen jars of toasted wheat germs in stores, which can be added to a variety of foods to boost nutritional content.)
3. The endosperm is the seed’s food supply that provide that provides the energy needed for the young plant to grow. The largest portion of the seed contains carbohydrates, and smaller amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals.
So the whole grain is one that contains all three parts of the kernel.
Whole grains are processed and refined (the most common practice for making breads, cereals, pastas and flours), the bran and germ are removed, leaving behind the white endosperm. During the process, grains become less nutritious, losing 25% of their original protein content and 17other essential nutrients. While manufactures then enrich” the flour with some vitamins and minerals, a naturally whole grain is still a healthier choice. Compared to refined grains (white bread, white rice, white flour) whole grains pack more protein, fiber, vitamins (B vitamins and vitamin E), and minerals (magnesium and iron, as well as some antioxidants not found in other foods.
Types of whole Grains: Wild rice (which is not actually a seed), brown rice, whole wheat, oatmeal (and whole oats), barley, whole rye, bulgur and popcorn.
Some less common types of whole grains include: amaranth, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and triticale (a hybrid type of rye and wheat).
Adding Whole Grains to Your Diet
New dietary guideline established by the U.S. Government in 2005 recommend that half of your daily grains servings should be whole grains. The easiest way to increase the amount of whole grains you consume is to substitute some processed grains products with their whole grain equivalent. This is as simple as having a slice of whole grain toast, instead of using a slice of white bread in the morning for breakfast or instead of using white flour for pancakes, use whole wheat flour instead. If you’re making homemade soup, toss in a handful of brown rice or barley for added fiber. Make your dessert a healthy one, such as making oatmeal cookies and you won’t feel guilty-you’re adding whole grains!
Reading Food Labels
While at the grocery store, be extra careful reading food labels. Words such as multi grains, stone ground cracked wheat or seven grains don’t necessarily mean the product is made with whole grains. Color doesn’t mean a whole grain either- some brown breads are simply white bread with added caramel color. There is an official whole grain packaging symbol in 2005 created by The Whole Grain Council, called the Whole Grain Stamp that helps consumers find whole grain products. Example: the first ingredient of whole grain bread or cracked should be “whole wheat flour”.
You should next switch to whole wheat pasta and brown rice, to increase your consumption of whole grain. One cup of whole wheat pasta has about 200 calories and 4 grams of fiber.
Brown rice is healthier than white rice and has significantly more nutrients. The refining process that transforms brown rice into polished, white rice strips away most the vitamins and minerals and completely removes all of the fiber and essential fatty acids-basically leaving only the starch behind. Brown rice is a concentrated source for fiber, which speeds up the removal of cancer-casing substances from our bodies. It is also an excellent source of selenium, which has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Studies Prove the Benefits of Whole Grains
A 2006 study by Tufts University showed that people who consume the most whole grains are 42% less likely to develop diabetes. Research has found that people with a diet high in whole grains showed a lower risk of both diabetes and heart found that people with a diet high in grains showed a lower risk of both diabetes and heart disease. Whether you want to reduce the risk of disease or you simply want to eat fewer processed foods, adding whole grains to your diet makes sense. So the next time you sit down to watch a movie, bring along a bowl of popcorn and snack with a clear conscious. Whole grains couldn’t be tastier!
Monday, December 19, 2011
The formula for recovery: nutrient timing
At any age, athletic performance and recovery from exercise are enhanced by good nutrition. Recovery nutrition goals include: replenishing fluid and electrolytes (sodium and potassium), replacing muscle fuel in the form of carbohydrates (e.g., grains) providing protein to help repair damaged muscle tissue and stimulate development of new tissue, and timing meals and snacks to make the most of the hard work you’ve work just completed. Let’s examine each of these topics in more detail:
• Fluids. As you age you lose sensitivity to thirst. Your cells need fluid to function, making it critical to replenish fluid lost through a workout. Dehydration may lead to increased fatigued, decreased performance, and muscle cramps before, during and after exercise. Drink approximately 8 – 10 ounces of water during a workout, as well as prior to and following exercise, to help prevent dehydration. Sports drinks are necessary ONLY for moderate to high intensity activities lasting more than 60 minutes.
• Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the most important source of energy for higher intensity or longer duration physical activity. It is necessary to replenish the glycogen (stored sugar in your liver and muscles) used to fuel your exercise session. Carbohydrate-rich foods, with the appropriate amount of fluid, transport fuel to your muscles more quickly. To help speed up your recovery after intense exercise, include complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, oatmeal or oat bran cereal, and whole grain breads, bagel or English muffin.
• Protein. By including protein with at least two meals a day, you are likely taking in enough protein to build, repair and protect your muscles. Adequate protein before exercise may also help to reduce post-exercise muscle soreness. Red meat, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy products are good sources of protein. For vegetarian diets, beans, nuts and soy can be used to increase protein intake.
• Nutrient timing. Ideally, you should be eating anywhere from 15-60 minutes after your workout. You don’t need to refuel your body with a large number of calories. Examples of appropriate snacks, which include sources of protein and carbohydrate mentioned above, are: Greek yogurt topped with blueberries, a sliced apple with peanut butter or finger vegetables with a side of hummus.
• Vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables help to ensure you are meeting your daily nutritional requirements. Including a “rainbow” of fruits and vegetables in your diet supplies your body naturally with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (think berries, winter squash, broccoli, tomatoes, apples, beets and cauliflower). Although there’s is no harm in taking a multivitamin, a healthy, balanced diet should cover your vitamin and mineral needs without the additional supplements.
Proper nutrition is also important on your “rest” days. Consider this break from exercise as the perfect opportunity to nourish your body with a well-balanced diet. Your body will thank you during your next bout of physical activity with increased strength and endurance.
References: Stacey Frattinger, BA, BS, RD, CHFS
• Fluids. As you age you lose sensitivity to thirst. Your cells need fluid to function, making it critical to replenish fluid lost through a workout. Dehydration may lead to increased fatigued, decreased performance, and muscle cramps before, during and after exercise. Drink approximately 8 – 10 ounces of water during a workout, as well as prior to and following exercise, to help prevent dehydration. Sports drinks are necessary ONLY for moderate to high intensity activities lasting more than 60 minutes.
• Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the most important source of energy for higher intensity or longer duration physical activity. It is necessary to replenish the glycogen (stored sugar in your liver and muscles) used to fuel your exercise session. Carbohydrate-rich foods, with the appropriate amount of fluid, transport fuel to your muscles more quickly. To help speed up your recovery after intense exercise, include complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, oatmeal or oat bran cereal, and whole grain breads, bagel or English muffin.
• Protein. By including protein with at least two meals a day, you are likely taking in enough protein to build, repair and protect your muscles. Adequate protein before exercise may also help to reduce post-exercise muscle soreness. Red meat, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy products are good sources of protein. For vegetarian diets, beans, nuts and soy can be used to increase protein intake.
• Nutrient timing. Ideally, you should be eating anywhere from 15-60 minutes after your workout. You don’t need to refuel your body with a large number of calories. Examples of appropriate snacks, which include sources of protein and carbohydrate mentioned above, are: Greek yogurt topped with blueberries, a sliced apple with peanut butter or finger vegetables with a side of hummus.
• Vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables help to ensure you are meeting your daily nutritional requirements. Including a “rainbow” of fruits and vegetables in your diet supplies your body naturally with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (think berries, winter squash, broccoli, tomatoes, apples, beets and cauliflower). Although there’s is no harm in taking a multivitamin, a healthy, balanced diet should cover your vitamin and mineral needs without the additional supplements.
Proper nutrition is also important on your “rest” days. Consider this break from exercise as the perfect opportunity to nourish your body with a well-balanced diet. Your body will thank you during your next bout of physical activity with increased strength and endurance.
References: Stacey Frattinger, BA, BS, RD, CHFS
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