Why you may not be losing weight running
One of the most common questions I get asked by runners is why they can’t lose weight despite running regularly. Some runners find that they actually gain weight; a phenomenon dubbed ‘marathon weight gain’.
Why getting too lean could be risking your health
getting lean is a major goal for many people who exercise regularly. But attaining a very low body fat percentage – or a level that is unnaturally low for your genetic make-up – carries big health risks.
Are organic foods really healthier?
The idea that organic foods are healthier is certainly compelling. However, there is little evidence to support this, with some studies finding higher levels of certain nutrients in certain produce, and others finding no difference. A review of 237 studies found that while organic produce contained fewer pesticide residues than conventional, on balance, there are…
How to Fuel For a Cycling Sportive
Updated 21st July 2018 If you’re planning to cycle the Prudential RideLondon on Sunday 29th July, or tackle one of the dozens of other sportives around the UK, a good nutrition strategy will help you get the most from your ride. I’ll be giving some simple tips on cycling nutrition on Centre Stage at the 2018 Prudential…
Can a low carb diet help or hinder your performance?
With so many diet trends out there, it’s hard to know which ones help or hinder your performance. One trend that’s recently become popular among endurance athletes is the low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet. The idea behind it is that training with low glycogen (carbohydrate) stores trains your body to burn fat more efficiently and increases…
Nutrition for Young Swimmers
Nutrition is an important part of your training programme. Eating the right types and amounts of food, as well as drinking enough fluid before, during and after each training session will help you perform better and recover faster between training sessions. It will also help to keep you healthy and reduce your chances of getting…
Orthorexia: the rising eating disorder in athletes
While a healthy diet is central to optimal performance, for some athletes the quest to eat only the ‘right’ foods can morph into orthorexia, an unhealthy fixation with ‘eating correctly’. What starts as a health kick or desire to shed surplus pounds can spiral into obsessive behaviour. One recent study suggests that as many as…
Want to improve your performance? The secret may lie in your gut health
It’s probably not something you often think about but the trillions of microbes that reside in your gut have a huge impact on many aspects of your health, including your sporting performance. These bacteria, yeasts, fungi and viruses release chemicals that influence your weight, immunity, cardiovascular system, mental health and your susceptibility to acne, allergies…
How to Fuel for Winter Training
If you train outdoors during winter, you’re putting your body under extra stress so you’ll benefit from a good fuelling plan. By building some healthy eating habits now you will ensure you’re fit and ready for the dark months of training ahead. Winter endurance training demands a lot of energy from your body and it’s…