6 nutrition rules to live by

 

No matter how much exercise you do – you are what you eat. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.

p to 80 per cent of having a sustainable healthy body is due to good food choices. When you start to see the benefits of exercise, you’ll see this threefold combined with good nutrient-rich fresh foods. By the time your skin is glowing and you jump out of bed in the morning, you can be assured that your internal organs and functions are running optimally.

In a nutshell, you’ll want to follow these guidelines for looking, feeling and training at your personal best:

1. Carbohydrates are not evil.

They are a necessary part of your nutritional mix, as nature intended. It is important to select the right forms of carbohydrates. Anything man made should be avoided as our bodies are not designed to break down and assimilate all those chemicals and artificial flavours. Examples of healthy, energy-providing carbs that won’t spike your insulin levels:

• Dark rye or stoneground flour toast with natural peanut butter as a pre-cycle option

• Oats

• Rice (including rice pastas)

Avoid:

• White breads, pastas, packaged rolls, processed carbs, fried foods, ‘nutrient enriched’ breads

• Carb-loaded drinks and bars with ingredients you can’t pronounce

• Anything with fructose corn syrup added.

2. Eat protein after you exercise.

Protein repairs muscles, supports the immune system and is vital for the healthy function of organs and your body’s biodynamic function.

3. Good fats are essential!

Essential healthy fats oil your joints and are crucial for eyesight, brain and organ function. Not manmade processed fats and oils. Instead hunt for these in your market or supermarket aisle and stock up each week. Avocado, cashews, almonds, macadamia, non-farmed non-GM salmon.

4. Consume amino acids

Our body does not produce amino acids – but they are found in food sources.

5. Vitamins and minerals from nutrient-rich food

Fresh vegetables and fruit are nature’s supplements. Rather than being stripped out of plants as extracts, you are getting the minerals and vitamins in their ideal combination to work at their optimal levels.

The darker the colour of the vegetable, the better it is for you. Vegetables and fruits also contain essential water, which hydrates the body and aids the transportation of sugars, fats, carbs and nutrients throughout your body.

6. Nothing beats good-quality filtered water.

At least 2.5 litres per day to keep your body ticking over like a well-oiled machine. Ditch the high-fructose ‘sports drinks’ and opt for water along with a balanced diet. Once you start to go over and above two hours on the bike, you can add a natural electrolyte powder from a reputable company that does not add aspartame, sweeteners and artificial elements. Magnesium and potassium are key for recovery of the muscles as well.

NEXT: How to boost your metabolism>>

{nomultithumb}

 

Read more ...