NUTRITION & DIET
"My interest in nutrition began when I competed in a bikini and fitness competition. Unfortunately, a result of not understanding nutritional intake and exercise, I took away no trophies, only an eating disorder." A catabolic state is predominantly instigated by excessive training combined with inadequate nutrition. It results in several unfavourable side effects in the body, such as chronic fatigue, joint and muscle distress, and muscle loss. Muscle typically assists in keeping the metabolic furnace burning as it takes a lot more of the body’s systems to feed the muscular cells than fat stores. So, if we have just gone through an extremely tough diet, restricting calories just to lose fat, we have most likely burnt through a lot of muscle. Leaving our metabolism shot down. The bottom line is that it needs to be a lifestyle change, not a crash diet, if you want to make a permanent weight change. Here are some handy tips to follow. PORTION SIZES • Close fist = carbohydrates • Two Thumbs = fats • Open palm = protein
JUST ENJOY YOUR LIFE At the end of the day, most people know what healthy eating is. I always nourish my body with wholefoods. I load my plate with vegetables, berries, meats and all, but I will also have that popcorn at the cinema, or fish-and-chips-Friday. My interest in nutrition began when I competed in a bikini and fitness competition. Unfortunately, a result of not understanding nutritional intake and exercise, I took away no trophies, only an eating disorder. After overcoming the eating disorder I developed a passion to educate others. I was very fortunate to have had a lot of support around me but the only way to truly escape the diet cycle is education.
WATER! • Keep hydrated. It’s an oldy, but a goodie. Water helps with the temperature regulation of your cells, organs and tissue. By keeping hydrated, you are effectively helping your bodily functions. 80/20 RULE • 80 percent wholefoods • 20 percent “naughty” yum-yums There is seriously no point in restricting yourself, otherwise you can risk developing an habitual routine of bingeing when cravings take over. Katie Missingham, Director of Big Red’s Nutrition, is a qualified nutritional therapist who believes Western medicine, alternative medicine and nutrition are best used cohesively. She has completed studies in remedial massage and nutrition and human movements and specialises in combat sports nutrition (she is a former Muay Thai boxer). Katie also assists many people with eating disorders and nutrient deficiencies, weight loss/gain, general health and betterment of overall lifestyle. www.bigredsnutrition.com.au 48 | THRIVE #7