GOOD FOOD IS A GOOD MOOD
21 June 2022
Good food is a good mood! And that certainly applies to sportspeople. But what is good food? Books are full of answers to this question. And there is no clear-cut answer to that either. But one thing is certain: when you exercise a lot, or intensively, your body needs nutrients to recover properly. You are probably immediately thinking: protein! That is right. But protein alone won't get you very far. Not far enough in any case. The amino acids in proteins do indeed ensure muscle recovery and growth, but vitamins and minerals are at least as important. Fibre, for example, also creates a good mood.
And yes, carbohydrates are important too. Some people try to avoid them as much as possible, but they certainly have positive qualities as well! Carbohydrates provide energy. And that is exactly what you need as an athlete! So a calorie bomb from time to time can't hurt an athlete. If you want to lose weight, it is important to eat a little less calories than you actually consume. But you should not forget that they also contribute to your recovery.
Another good food that is often misunderstood: fats. Because not all fats make you fat. What's more, you even need fats. The difference between saturated and unsaturated fats is important to keep in mind. Unsaturated fats fit into a healthy diet and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. But the rule for everything is: in moderation. Nuts and seeds, for instance, contain healthy fats.
But what do you put on the table? Here you will find some inspiration for some good food.
Salads
Salads are an easy way to eat healthy. They are packed with vegetables and you can easily add all sorts of other tasty and healthy things. Did you just work out? Then finish the salad with (organic) chicken or feta. Both are full of protein that you can really use after a workout. Add some olive oil for healthy fats. Or nuts, seeds and pits for a delicious crunchy bite. Feta and walnuts, for example, are a delicious combination.
Veggies & fruits
Fruit and vegetables are the best way to get your fill of vitamins and minerals. The advantage of vegetables is that a broccoli contains a lot less sugar than a pineapple. But sometimes your body just needs sugar. A banana is the ultimate pre-workout snack. A banana contains a lot of carbohydrates which give you the energy you need to start exercising. Vegetables, on the other hand, are better eaten after exercise because they contribute to your recovery.
Whole wheat products
Did you know that whole wheat products are full of protein, iron and vitamins? But especially the amount of fibre makes these products a welcome addition to your diet. Fibre ensures that your intestines are happy. And not only that: whole wheat products also ensure a stable blood sugar level. So are you making a nice curry? Eat it with brown rice. Fancy a pasta? Choose a whole wheat pasta. Lunch with a cheese sandwich? A whole-wheat sandwich before exercising gives you enough energy to go for it!
GOOD FOOD IS A GOOD MOOD
21 June 2022
Good food is a good mood! And that certainly applies to sportspeople. But what is good food? Books are full of answers to this question. And there is no clear-cut answer to that either. But one thing is certain: when you exercise a lot, or intensively, your body needs nutrients to recover properly.
You are probably immediately thinking: protein! That is right. But protein alone won't get you very far. Not far enough in any case. The amino acids in proteins do indeed ensure muscle recovery and growth, but vitamins and minerals are at least as important. Fibre, for example, also creates a good mood.
And yes, carbohydrates are important too. Some people try to avoid them as much as possible, but they certainly have positive qualities as well! Carbohydrates provide energy. And that is exactly what you need as an athlete! So a calorie bomb from time to time can't hurt an athlete. If you want to lose weight, it is important to eat a little less calories than you actually consume. But you should not forget that they also contribute to your recovery.
Another good food that is often misunderstood: fats. Because not all fats make you fat. What's more, you even need fats. The difference between saturated and unsaturated fats is important to keep in mind. Unsaturated fats fit into a healthy diet and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. But the rule for everything is: in moderation. Nuts and seeds, for instance, contain healthy fats.
But what do you put on the table? Here you will find some inspiration for some good food.
Salads
Salads are an easy way to eat healthy. They are packed with vegetables and you can easily add all sorts of other tasty and healthy things. Did you just work out? Then finish the salad with (organic) chicken or feta. Both are full of protein that you can really use after a workout. Add some olive oil for healthy fats. Or nuts, seeds and pits for a delicious crunchy bite. Feta and walnuts, for example, are a delicious combination.
Veggies & fruits
Fruit and vegetables are the best way to get your fill of vitamins and minerals. The advantage of vegetables is that a broccoli contains a lot less sugar than a pineapple. But sometimes your body just needs sugar. A banana is the ultimate pre-workout snack. A banana contains a lot of carbohydrates which give you the energy you need to start exercising. Vegetables, on the other hand, are better eaten after exercise because they contribute to your recovery.
Whole wheat products
Did you know that whole wheat products are full of protein, iron and vitamins? But especially the amount of fibre makes these products a welcome addition to your diet. Fibre ensures that your intestines are happy. And not only that: whole wheat products also ensure a stable blood sugar level. So are you making a nice curry? Eat it with brown rice. Fancy a pasta? Choose a whole wheat pasta. Lunch with a cheese sandwich? A whole-wheat sandwich before exercising gives you enough energy to go for it!