While they're not necessarily nutritionists at The Pulse, they're lucky enough to be exposed to lots of nutrition information, including some from our own Holistic Nutritionist,
Dianna, in the David Braley Sport Medicine Centre.
Since it’s
#NationalNutritionMonth, we’re looking at our own eating habits. We all know
that sound eating habits have the ability to improve sport performance, so
providing your body with the right type of fuel is essential, especially for
those who lead an active lifestyle.
The
following tips are brought to you by The Pulse staff. Everyone is different, so
hopefully if you’re not already following some of these, you find a few to keep
in your back pocket for the month!
1. Eat Your Veggies First –An Avid
Snacker at The Pulse
Eat your
veggies first during a meal, that way you fill up on the good stuff you need
and won’t be too full to eat them later!
2. Eat Less From
A Box –Jake (Yoga Instructor)
Boxed food
is usually full of preservatives, chemicals, and hosts many ingredients that
you’re likely unable to pronounce. Jake works on eating more whole and natural
foods; the less chemicals, the better.
3. Write it Down
–Lori (Cycling instructor)
Like many of
us, Lori often finds herself with a very busy schedule. She likes to write down
what she’s going to eat for the day. She finds that this helps her to stick to
a plan and not stray too far to less than healthy choices!
4. Eat Less CRAP (Carbonated
Drinks, Refined Sugars, Artificial Sweeteners, Processed Foods) & Eat More FOOD (Fruits & Veggies, Organic Lean Protein, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Drink
Water)—Laura (Fitness & Wellness Coordinator)
Laura’s
mantra is great because it doesn't focus on perfection, but rather, progress.
Once you start eating less CRAP, your
body will naturally stop wanting it as much. Fill up with FOOD and your body will thank you!
5. Drink Lots Of Water –Chelsea (Trainer)
Chelsea uses
an app to ensure she continually drinks water throughout the day called ‘Water
Your Body’. For people who are on the move all day, it can sometimes be
difficult to remember to keeping sipping! If an app isn’t your thing, put
measured increments or times on your water bottle so you have a goal to be
working towards.
6. Do Your Research –Blair (Dietitian, Fitness
Instructor, Cycling Instructor)
With all the
information out there, it can sometimes be hard to find valid information.
Blair likes Dietitian, Leslie Beck. When reading about certain topics, just be
sure that you find research to back it up. You can check out Leslie’s website
here: http://www.lesliebeck.com/.
7. Love Your Healthy Filler—Aravind
(Trainer, President, McMcaster MBA Association)
We’ve all
witnessed and maybe succumbed to filler. It’s those empty calorie items that can
cause a spike in your blood sugar. Instead of reaching for them, there are lots
of alternatives! Aravind likes to make ‘mashed potatoes’ with cauliflower. He
blends cauliflower with spices and a bit of non-dairy milk. He tells us it’s
‘wayyyy good’!
8. Cook Your Own Food!—Mariam
(Fitness Instructor)
Instead of
going out for lunch and dinner, cook your own meal. Not only will this allow
you to know exactly what’s going into your body, but it will also save you a
ton of money.
9. Keep It Simple—Lauren (Fitness Instructor, Cycling Instructor)
Nutrition
has gone from simple (many, many, years ago!) to complicated with all the
information out there. Try not to over think it, and eat clean about 80% of the
time.
For an
interesting video on how simple nutrition can be, check this out!
10.Eat In Colour—Caylea (Fitness Instructor, Cycling Instructor, TRX Instructor)
Make sure you fill your plate with lots of different colour! The more the better! Caylea eats a big salad for lunch almost every day. She fills it with lots of greens and tries to keep it nutrient dense.
The Sport Medicine Centre now offers Nutrition Coaching as they understand how important
nutrition is to a person's overall health! There are so many things linked to nutrition,
some you may not even think of! If you've struggled with energy levels, skin problems, or digestive issues, come see Dianna and she can help you get back on track!
