The Meaning Behind Your Cravings
Cravings can help you determine if you are lacking something. Sometimes they mean you are lacking some macros or calories, but often they mean you are lacking some micronutrients.
|
Craving |
What You Should Eat |
|
Chocolate |
May be a magnesium deficiency or you are lacking antioxidants; focus on raw cacao and antioxidant berries. |
|
Coffee |
May be an iron deficiency; focus on pumpkin seeds, kale and collard leaves. |
|
Sugary foods |
May be a sign you’re low in chromium; focus on broccoli, green beans and nuts. |
|
Salty foods |
May mean your body needs more sodium; focus on seaweed, artichoke and himalayan or celtic sea salt. |
Blood tests looking at your complete micronutrient profile can be helpful in spotting potential deficiencies. Working with a holistic nutritionist or health coach to guide you with dietary changes can be helpful. You may benefit from short-term supplementation to correct deficiencies, but diet modification and creating a whole foods, mostly plant-based, diverse and balanced diet will be the key for long term success.
Benefits Of Pre/Post Workout Foods
While you may want to think about exercise as a way of burning calories, it is actually very crucial what you eat before and after a workout. Pre-workout foods can prepare you for your workout, providing you with good energy and even aid recovery after. Post-workout foods can help you refuel and to recover from your workout.
Pre-Workout Foods
Pre-workout foods may take some trial and error and adjustment to figure out what works for you. You want to have enough energy, but you don’t want to eat too much or too close to your workout and get cramps or feel sluggish either. Eat anywhere between 90 minutes and 3 hours before your workout - whatever works for your tummy. Figure out the amount you need over time (tip: you don’t need too much).
Your best choice is complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest, such as fruits, dates and dried fruits and whole grains, including granola bars, oatmeal or GF bread. If you are training for a marathon, ironman or long race and training for 2.5-3 hours or more, you may need more food and eat something while you workout. But for a regular exercise routine, there is no need to eat while working out and there is no need to eat fats and protein before your workout either.
...[ Continue to next page ]
Share This Post
