We are still in a period of festivities where the consumption of food, drinks and sweets is at its highest level.
Some may feel somewhat heavier and our running performance may dither slightly.
However, with the coming New Year and the marathon in less than two months, it is crucial to view our eating habits and ensure we eat well to remain in optimal health.
Digging back through the archives of my mind, I recall my first few weeks of my career, shortly after I was introduced to my coach John Walsh, when five laps around the track were far too much.
Completely obsessed with my weight, I shyly asked the coach for dietary advice to run better and, of course, to lose weight. His blunt comment was ‘decide what you really want... either keep starving yourself or you eat well and come down here (track) and train like the others!’
With one piercing look, he detected something was not quite right with my eating habits.
Struggling with anorexia throughout my teenage years, and bulimia in my 20s, my metabolism was in complete havoc. My maximum intake of calories was that of 400 and, therefore, my weight was very unpredictable.
Very negatively, I used to compare myself to a fluctuating balloon.
Although afraid of gaining weight, but somewhat fed up with my continuous yo-yo dieting, I opted to change my eating habits but I did not know from where to start.
Despite the fact that I experimented with different diets, I still either starved myself or went to extremes and devoured whatever food came in sight. I had to learn how to find the right balance but that was not easy.
However, the more I ran and the more I enjoyed my training, the more I became aware of my body’s needs and food requirements.
My diet started to change automatically, quite rapidly and eventually the word ‘diet’ no longer applied. The classic motto: ‘You are what you eat!’ is still my favourite, as good, nutritious food is essential for a healthy mind and body.
Ideal meals should be composed of natural and wholesome foodstuffs – mainly fruit and vegetables, whole grains (rice, quinoa, wheat), nuts and pulses. Fish, poultry, milk and yoghurt and, occasionally an intake of meat, are good source of protein too.
Aim to eat properly balanced small meals at regular intervals throughout the day.
Poor foods, like refined carbohydrates such as biscuits, chocolates and sweets, are high in fat and sugar.
Eating high glycaemic index foods as such, unless during or straight after training, will only make you a carbohydrate addict. It also plays havoc with your sugar levels, the easiest way to gain weight and fat.
Learn how to listen to your body. There’s a language inside which communicates in three different ways through...
1) appetite and craving;
2) energy levels; and
3) mental and emotional well-being.
Within an hour after eating the proper food, you should feel noticeably better than before, energy wise and emotionally. If, on the other-hand, you feel sluggish and depressed, it is here that adjustment to your dietary needs should be made.
Wisely reflecting, food is not to be consumed for comfort but to sustain the body and simply to allay hunger without overeating.
Eat well, run well and a Happy New Year.
Registration
Today is the last day when you can apply for the February races with a reduced fee.
One may obtain more details through www.maltamarathon.com.