By Isabelle Nunn, Head Nutritionist

Summer is a great season to get out and enjoy physical activities such as swimming, cycling, hiking, running, tennis, football and other active sports. Enjoy pursuits that give you that overall feel-good factor! Exercise not only improves our physical condition but also promotes confidence and resilience to everyday stresses.

How Can Your Diet Support Your Exercise Program and Fitness Goals?

Regular or intense exercise regimes place a considerable demand on the physical body, rapidly using up vital nutrients, so it is important to eat a varied and balanced wholefood diet that provides amble:

  • Magnesium
  • Protein
  •  B vitamins
  • Electrolytes
  • Antioxidants
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

Magnesium contributes to energy production, muscle function, electrolyte balance, protein synthesis and normal functioning of the nervous system. Mild deficiency could contribute to muscle weakness, muscle tightness and cramps, insomnia, fatigue and tiredness. This essential mineral is found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans. If you don’t think you’re getting optimal amounts of magnesium from your diet alone, you may wish to top up by taking a supplement. Liquid Magnesium Glycinate/Malate is a form a magnesium that is rapidly absorbed and efficiently utilised by the body.  

If you want to get fit and especially if you have set yourself specific fitness goals, such as to increase muscle mass or lose weight, it is worth considering how to harness the power of nutrition to support your diet and exercise program:  

Say YES to Clean Protein:

Taking protein in the form of a shake or smoothie is an effective, as well as convenient, way to boost your protein intake before or after exercise. A good quality protein powder should offer a complete range of amino acids including BCAAs (Branch Chain Amino Acids). Protein provides building blocks needed to help strengthen, maintain and repair the body. Research shows that sufficient protein intake can:

  • Result in improved muscle strength and performance when consumed before and after exercise.
  • Promote muscle repair and reduce the risk of exercise induced muscle damage and soreness.
  • Support metabolism, increase satiety and play a role in weight management.

When choosing a protein powder go for certified organic, this way you can avoid the chemical pesticide concentrations usually present in ‘conventionally’ grown ingredients. A blend that combines organic yellow peas with raw sprouted plant sourced protein rich ingredients offers a complete amino acid profile (including BCAAs).

Garden of Life Organic Raw Protein is a delicious range of dual certified organic and non-GMO verified, nutrient-dense plant protein powders that includes their Organic Raw All-In-One Protein Shake that also contains whole food vitamins, minerals and nourishing greens. Available in Chocolate and Vanilla.    

Are There Specific Natural Ingredients That Can Make Our Diet and Exercise Program Even More Effective?

Clinical research has studied the natural fat burning properties of decaffeinated coffee bean extract (Svetol). The clinical trial participants showed significant weight loss results and increased lean to fat mass ratio compared the placebo group – in fact on average it doubled the effect of their eight-loss efforts.*  

Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit Protein is formulated with a diet &exercise support blend of clinically studied ingredients including Svetol -decaffeinated coffee bean extract. Supplying high protein for weight management support, this deliciously smooth blend provides you with additional support to make your diet and exercise program more effective.

*Any claims in this article are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any diseases. A food supplement is not a substitute for a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle.

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