Key Nutritional Needs for Athletes
Most people are aware that athletes require adequate nutrition in order to keep their bodies in their best shape for training and competition. And while every athlete is an individual and may require specific things to meet their dietary needs based on individual physical characteristics, training and competition schedules, and overall nutritional goals, there are…
Fall Foods for the Athlete
With the miracle of growing techniques available these days, many foods are available all year ‘round. But most foods usually taste better when they are in season and are a great source of vitamin and nutrients that will keep your body in good working order. So take advantage of the Fall season and see what…
Can Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Improve Athletic Performance?
Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with various health benefits, affecting heart and brain health, learning, and cholesterol levels. Its anti-inflammatory properties have led researchers to explore how omega-3 supplementation could mediate the effects of exercise-induced muscle damage. What implications does omega-3 fatty acid supplementation have for athletes and their performance? Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) often…
Unhealthy Food and Beverage Marketing to Children: Possible Implications for Sport
On June 10, 2017, Health Canada launched a public consultation on restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children. The proposed approach aims to protect children from marketing tactics that encourage them to eat unhealthy foods. This is an important issue that could potentially impact the sport sector. Consequently, all sport stakeholders are…
Time to do a gut check on probiotics and sport
Participation in sport and physical activity has always been associated with health and wellness. And athletes are commonly looked upon as examples of good health and fitness. However, athletes that train and compete at high intensity levels are often at greater risk for succumbing to illness due to a vulnerable immune system. Making sure to…
“You Are What You Eat” – Fueling up for Competition
Knowing what to eat and when to eat for sports can seem like a science. Don’t let all the information out there leave you frazzled and hungry. For the everyday athlete a little preparation can make it very simple! The phrase “you are what you eat” is true. Nutrition can play a key role in…
Does tart cherry juice really help athletes?
If you had the option to consume a natural product that would help manage pain and diminish muscle damage without the side-effects of synthetically produced medications would you be interested? Tart cherry juice is increasingly gaining traction among elite athletes and recreational athletes as an aid in speeding recovery post-exertion. Most frequently high-intensity strength and…
Why Should You Make Your Fruit and Vegetable Selection Colourful?
Many people often say that you eat first with your eyes. Selecting a menu full of colour not only makes your meal more appealing to the visual senses, it will benefit your health too. Different colours of foods generally mean that it contains different vitamins and minerals. When you think about it, no one single…
Preventing infection and maintaining immune function using nutritional strategies
It is well documented that moderate exercise prevents many infections and greatly improves immune system function. In contrast, among elite athletes who train at a faster pace and at a higher intensity, the risk of illness increases significantly and the effectiveness of the immune system to fight infections is reduced. Other factors, including exposure to…
Tips for Back to School Nutrition and Physical Activity
While this has been an exciting summer in sport, September brings us back to the classroom. This time of year reminds us that it is time to return to learning and it’s time to consider the best way to fuel the body and mind to optimize school lessons and the learning environment. How can we…