For the athlete or coach, this site has a huge collection of sports nutrition advice, and best of all - it's for free!
Please have a good look around the site - there is heaps more that you may find of interest.
Eating for Health
A good diet is not just about losing weight, but about keeping your body healthy and free from disease.
body weight in a healthy range, but many other dietary changes can impact on your health. It is true that many diseases are affected by excess body weight, so it is still important to keep your
What is a 'Healthy Diet' ?
A healthy diet is what is right for you, depending on your specific situation. What is a healthy diet for a sedentary housewife will not be the same as for an elite athlete, workman or a breastfeeding mother.
Whatever your particular circumstances, knowing what is in particular foods, and how to go about finding the right variety to supply your needs is important. A good place to start is to have a well-balanced diet.
A Well-Balanced Diet
A well balanced diet with good variety ensures adequate intake of all the essential nutrients in the diet.
All food groups should be included in the diet on a daily basis - breads and cereals, vegetables, fruit, dairy and meat. In addition to this, diversity within each food group is also beneficial.
Nutrients for Athletes
Each of the major food nutrients play a role in the diet of athletes. There is more information about each of the nutrients:
Carbohydrates for Athletes
Carbohydrate is not the evil substance you thought it is. It is an essential part of your diet, and plays a vital role in your health. It is found in nearly all foods, though in highly variable amounts. Foods such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, legumes and fruit have a high percentage of carbohydrates.
An Energy SourceCarbohydrate (commonly called 'carbs') is one of the main energy sources in food, and is the body's preferred source of energy. During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream, from which it an be delivered to the cells of the body and used for energy.
Glucose, the product of carbohydrate digestion, is an essential fuel for the brain. The brain cells, unlike other cells of the body, cannot use any alternate fuel and must therefore have a constant supply of glucose.
Does Carbohydrate make you fat?Carbohydrate is just another energy source like fats and protein. Carbohydrates themselves do not make you fat, it is eating too much of any of these energy sources compared to the amount of activity that you do that will make you store the excess energy sources and make you gain weight.
Please have a good look around the site - there is heaps more that you may find of interest.
Eating for Health
A good diet is not just about losing weight, but about keeping your body healthy and free from disease.
body weight in a healthy range, but many other dietary changes can impact on your health. It is true that many diseases are affected by excess body weight, so it is still important to keep your
What is a 'Healthy Diet' ?
A healthy diet is what is right for you, depending on your specific situation. What is a healthy diet for a sedentary housewife will not be the same as for an elite athlete, workman or a breastfeeding mother.
Whatever your particular circumstances, knowing what is in particular foods, and how to go about finding the right variety to supply your needs is important. A good place to start is to have a well-balanced diet.
A Well-Balanced Diet
A well balanced diet with good variety ensures adequate intake of all the essential nutrients in the diet.
All food groups should be included in the diet on a daily basis - breads and cereals, vegetables, fruit, dairy and meat. In addition to this, diversity within each food group is also beneficial.
- Breads and cereals contain carbohydrates, B vitamins and are an excellent source of fiber.
- A regular intake of a range of fruits, vegetables and herbs will improve the level of antioxidants and phytochemicals in the body
- Antioxidants are known to help prevent inflammation, prevent some forms of cancers and viruses, aid in the prevention of heart disease, as well as anti-allergic effects.
- Dairy foodsgive maximum calcium levels for bone strength in the prevention of osteoporosis.
- Meat and alternatives provide an excellent source of protein, as well as iron and zinc.
Nutrients for Athletes
Each of the major food nutrients play a role in the diet of athletes. There is more information about each of the nutrients:
Carbohydrates for Athletes
Carbohydrate is not the evil substance you thought it is. It is an essential part of your diet, and plays a vital role in your health. It is found in nearly all foods, though in highly variable amounts. Foods such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, legumes and fruit have a high percentage of carbohydrates.
An Energy SourceCarbohydrate (commonly called 'carbs') is one of the main energy sources in food, and is the body's preferred source of energy. During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream, from which it an be delivered to the cells of the body and used for energy.
Glucose, the product of carbohydrate digestion, is an essential fuel for the brain. The brain cells, unlike other cells of the body, cannot use any alternate fuel and must therefore have a constant supply of glucose.
Does Carbohydrate make you fat?Carbohydrate is just another energy source like fats and protein. Carbohydrates themselves do not make you fat, it is eating too much of any of these energy sources compared to the amount of activity that you do that will make you store the excess energy sources and make you gain weight.