3 min read
Eat Your Way to Better Performance
It‘s impossible to out-train a poor diet, according to Registered Clinical Nutritionist Cliff Harvey. Cliff has worked with some of New Zealand‘s top athletes, Olympic medalists and world champions.
We find out how to turn food intake into an effective base for peak performance.
“Taking in plenty of fuel without giving your body the right vitamins and minerals is like filling your car's gas tank but removing the spark plugs.
These micro nutrients reduce the damage associated with modern life and enable the creation of energy, hormones and neurotransmitters,“ said Cliff.
Learn more about the vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients in Good Green Vitality...
Factors like chronic stress draining energy reserves; soil mineral depletion; a longer food chain and a lack of variety in the diet, can all affect cyclists‘ performance on and off the road.
In fact, Cliff suggests that many of us could be ‘starving on a full stomach‘ from a nutritional point of view.
Eating six or more serves of a range of vegetables every day helps to ensure a nutrient-rich diet.
Read about nutrient-rich foods that support your immune system...
Boost protein to maintain low body fat
However for athletes, Cliff recommends the addition of protein, particularly after training, to help speed recovery and support tissue repair.
“When choosing a protein powder, check the label carefully,“ he advises. “The fewer ingredients the better. Look for 20-25 grams per serve from a high quality natural protein.
“The benefits of upping the quantity/quality of protein in our diet are compelling.
"A protein-rich diet boosts our metabolism, builds muscle and helps maintain low body fat. This will keep your power-to-weight ratio high, boosting strength and endurance.“
If you want to read more about fueling your performance...
Cliff also recommends eating two or more serves of berries daily to gives your body a rich source of micro-nutrients and antioxidants.
Want to make a Berry Smoothie Bowl? Go here...
“No-one can maintain the perfect diet constantly, so using a multi nutrient like Nuzest's Good Green Vitality will fill any gaps in your diet. This 75+ ingredient powerhouse provides a nutritional insurance policy.“
Eating organic wherever possible will add secondary nutrients. For good nutrition on the run Cliff‘s final piece of advice is to grab a super-smoothie.
“Adding Clean Lean Protein powder to berries, super-foods, healthy fats like coconut cream and natural carbohydrates can offer a convenient, nutrient-dense meal option.“
As published in NZ Road Cyclist magazine, November 2014
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The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is general advice. It should not, nor is it intended to be, relied on as a substitute for individual medical advice or care. If the contents of this, or any other of the blogs in this series raises any concerns or questions regarding your health, please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.
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