Food transforms exercise

Chantelle Condron Personal Trainer from Muscle & Mind Fitness talks to Northsides People in how important it is to eat healthy.

As a personal trainer Chantelle always had an interest in nutrition from an early age “I studied basic nutrition in my PT course and gained some more knowledge along the way during my career as a PT”  According to the food pyramid the bottom two shelves are the most important food groups to eat on a daily basis “most important food group I’d say is carbs as they are your body’s main source of energy, they fuel your brain, nervous system, kidneys and heart muscles.”  People occasionally skip meals but this doesn’t help your body function “you should never starve yourself. You should only fast if told to do so by a qualified doctor.”  When competing in a sports event or participating in a workout class it’s important to eat correct both before and after exercise “I would eat a high carb meal prior to training for energy and performance, and a high protein meal post-training for muscle recovery.”  A treat is ok for your body as long you have it in moderation “it’s ok to have one treat a day. Focus on eating good quality, high protein meals that keep you fuller for longer so you are less likely to snack, but if you do want a snack try to opt with a better option.”  If you have time the night before it would be advantage if you prepared your meals for the next day “if your goal is weight loss,  being prepared with your meals is very important being unprepared leads to snacking, high calorie fast food most likely crap, not a good idea when trying to stay in a calorie deficit to lose weight.”  People occasionally forget to drink water but it is significant to drink water “yes good water intake is important. It keeps you hydrated, it helps function the body as well as helps with digestion. Water removes waste from the body and improves your skin as well as acts as an appetite suppressant.”  With kids going back to school there are plenty of snacks that their mother could give their kids for lunch “kids should snack on fruit and low sugary treats. Popcorn, crackers, yogurts, smoothies, homemade cookies and muffins. Chocolate and sweets in moderation.”  Food will help you perform better especially when competing in a sports competition “yes eating the right food plays a huge role in performance in sport. You will not perform your best if your diet is crap, good food = good fuel = good performance”  Sleeping well helps your body perform “it’s important to have six to eight hours sleep each night. Sleep helps your body and mind to recharge.”