Health Advice: Race Day Fuel

Q:  I am training for a marathon this year.  Food before, during, and after is important to my success and recovery.  What meal ideas do you recommend?

A:  There are lots of energy bars and sports drinks and supplements out there for endurance athletes.  This can make it hard to choose which is best for you.  When you think of race food you probably think spaghetti dinners but there are better choices.

If you are looking for a pre or post workout meal idea I would suggest oatmeal as a big staple food.  Add in some cinnamon, cherries, walnuts or bananas and its even better.  Oatmeal provides fiber, carbs, protein and has a low glycemic index (has a sustained release of energy into the bloodstream).  Cinnamon works as an anti-inflammatory and helps to lower blood pressure.  Cherries are also an anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants.  Walnuts have good Omega-6 fatty acids, fiber and are great for bone health (also good as a snack).  Bananas have lots of potassium to help replenish electrolytes and help regulate digestion (these are commonly found at the end of races for a reason).    

A great lunch or dinner idea would be to have a kale salad with wild salmon and sweet potatoes.  We've all heard Dr. Oz rave about kale and its good fiber and antioxidant levels.  It's true.  You can add some into a salad mixed some spinach (extra iron), sunflower seeds and dried cherries for an extra nutrition kick.  Sweet potatoes provide a high vitamin and mineral content (including potassium, iron, manganese and copper).  Lastly, wild salmon (not farmed) is one of the most nutrient dense proteins.  It's great for cardiovascular protection and full of essential Omega-3 fatty acids.  

Stick to good nutrition and you will have a very successful race day!

Grueling Foam Roller Workout

It's good to mix up a class format and use an unstable surface for a challenge.  The foam roller is a versatile tool that can mix up any fitness or Pilates session.  Below is my favorite format for an intermediate/advanced student (10-15mins):

1. Bridges (roll under feet)
1. Hip roll/lifts
2. Oblique hip lowers
3. Hinge at hips
4. Marching w/bent knees
5. Single Leg Versions- Leg lower/lifts, Hip roll/lifts, Leg circles
2. Leg Pull Back (roll under calves)
1. Hip lifts/holds
2. Leg lifts (same side or alternate)
3. Forearm Planks (roll under forearms)
1. Balance Sticks/Cat and Cow
2. Modified/full planks
3. Leg lifts
4. Scapula slides
4. Extension/Swan (on belly, roll under wrists)
1. Shrugs/Swans
2. Heel beats
3. Swimming (prep or alternate arm/leg lifts than full version)
4. Child's pose (stretch)
5. Push Ups (roll under quads or shins)
1. Push Ups
2. Knee Under/Pike ups
3. Alternate (push up and knee under)
4. Mountain Climbers 
6. Side Planks (roll under shin, propped on elbow)
1. Hip Dips
2. Rainbow top arm/Thread the needle
3. Leg lifts/hold in Star shape
7. Palm Pass/Push Ups (roll under one hand)
1. Holds in modified or full planks
2. Pass
3. Push Ups 
4. Both together (push up than pass it)

The foam roller can also be used for personal massage and stretching.  Learn more by clicking here.

Health Advice: Pantry Must-Haves

Q: Grocery shopping can be overwhelming.  It's hard to choose what to cook each week and than what to do to spice up all the leftovers.  I want to ensure I have basic staple foods on hand to provide variety for our  weekday meals.  Any suggestions?

A:  Cooking can be a fun experience and also stressful.  We eat with our eyes so ensuring you have some basic staple foods in your pantry will help to spice up leftover chicken from Sunday's meal.  Here are some ways to eat healthy in a pinch:

• Quinoa:  Is a gluten-free, cholesterol-free whole grain and complete protein (seed).  It takes about 10-15 minutes to cook and tastes great on its own or an added punch to any meal.  Also vegetarian/vegan friendly.
• Add it on salads, sandwiches/wraps, side grain for veggies/meats
• Spicy Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
• Avocado: good source of fiber, potassium and vitamins such as C and K.  Can buy them firm and wait till they ripen otherwise ensure they are soft to the touch if needing to use same day.
• Add it on salads, sandwiches/wraps, burgers, Mexican dishes, guacamole/dips, bean soups, use in place of Mayonnaise
• Shrimp and Avocado Salad

• Nuts: almonds, cashews, walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios
• Great for snacking, add onto salads, sandwiches/wraps, tail mix, add in with cooked veggies or pasta dishes
• Asparagus with Sliced Almonds
• Dried fruits: such as cranberries, raisins, dates, apricots, plums, figs
• Great for snacking on instead of dessert, add onto salads, sandwiches/wraps, tail mix, compotes, add into cottage cheese/yogurt
• Dried Fruit Compote
• Spices: cinnamon, garlic, curry powder, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, oregano, parsley, nutmeg, cumin, mint, basil, cilantro, onion
• Marinades, salad dressings, added flavor, cultural flair to meats, baking breads/muffins

Plan out your weekday meals and don't be afraid to get creative!