What is the right diet?
At healthymindfitbody.com, we often talk about various issues in nutrition, the latest topics surrounding diet in the mainstream media, and all the nutritional myths flying around out there.
As I mentioned on our last podcast, I went to the bookstore over the weekend and was perusing the Health section, only to find a massive cluster-F of diet books and all kinds of widely differing ways to lose weight. What is the right diet? I’m not convinced there is one right diet, but there are ideas in the nutrition world based on science!
I flipped through a few of the really trendy ones like “Skinny Bitch”, and found a few tidbits of helpful information, but for the most part, authors are relying on flawed studies and the many times debunked, caloric theory of weight loss (burn more calories than you consume to lose weight).
One book that caught my eye was The Paleo Diet for Athletes. The Paleo Diet looks at what our Stone Age ancestors ate and adapts that to what we humans should likely be eating today. This book particularly focuses on athletes, who they claim, do in fact need slightly more carbohydrates than non-athletes- but no where near the carbo-loading crazed status quo indicates! The key is what specific carbohydrates should athletes be eating, and when?
I can’t wait to read the entire book, since I work with triathletes and swimmers as well at peak performance, and do the occasional half marathon myself. I have eaten a fairly low carb diet for about a decade now, but when I get around other athletes, most are still obsessed with carbs. I think it’s time we finally moved beyond these old ways of thinking and relied on new scientific discoveries instead of remaining in our comfort zones!
MIke S on Thu, 8th Oct 2009 5:53 am
I find Cordain’s evolutionary framework for making his dietary recommendations very appealing, enjoy the book. “The Paleo Diet” also by Cordain, and “Omega Rx Zone” by Sears round out the best dietary advice I’ve read for maintaining higher levels of performance.
Kevin on Thu, 8th Oct 2009 7:50 pm
Thanks for the comment Mike, I also enjoyed “Omega Rx Zone” by Sears (as well as the Anti-Aging Zone). Interesting to note the differences between the Zone and the Paleo Diet. So far, what I’ve read of the Paleo diet seems pretty spot-on, except for the part about keeping saturated fat very low. (see our podcast titled “Hungry Girl should eat more saturated fat” for more on this.
Kathleen on Fri, 9th Oct 2009 12:31 am
I look forward to reading your book and appreciate your pod casts. At age 56 and running my first Marathon (1/2). Training has been a real mind game but finding many rewards in the discipline and meeting goals. I want to get the most out of each run.. Not sure what to eat pre-run … Would you give me your advice? There’s a lot of information out there and it’s hard to know what to do. Thanks guys!
Kevin on Fri, 9th Oct 2009 10:39 pm
Hi Kathleen, very good question! Congratulations on taking the step to take on a new physical challenge! There is some really good advice on what to eat before training sessions in the current book I’m reading that I mentioned, The Paleo Diet for Athletes. The first priority is to hydrate well. When you wake up in the morning, drink a full glass of water every day. This can really help with energy levels and maintaining or achieving your perfect fitness level. Just a few tips on pre-workout meals:
1. Keep fat and fiber to a minimum.
2. Eat low glycemic carbohydrates like bananas, melons, and peaches combined with protein (like eggs or protein powder.
3. Eat 2-3 hours before exercise
The amount you eat will depend on your weight, and what feels right to you.
Some examples of pre-workout meals include:
Fruit with eggs, unsweetened apple sauce with protein powder, liquid meals, or a sports bar with protein.
Good luck with your training and let us know how it goes!
Kathleen on Sat, 10th Oct 2009 2:08 am
Thanks Kevin.. I’ll be primed for optimal running results!.. Thank you and I’ll let you know!