How to maximise your workouts and training with the right nutrition
Our nutrition quality can have a profound effect on our exercise performance, as well as things like endurance and recovery. I always say to my clients that your body is like a car and if you put the wrong type of fuel in, it will not run like it’s meant to. There are many different aspects to maximising your workouts through nutrition – whether it being long distance running or yoga, adopting habits like proper hydration as well as eating enough good quality carbohydrates is important.
Studies over the years have shown us that those with a healthier diet tend to have better recovery times, more energy and perform better during workouts. This may be due to a diet higher in healthy carbohydrates which can help support energy levels, support muscle glycogen levels and aid in recovery, or else other factors like higher nutrient intake which can support muscle function. Healthier people may also have a higher intake of hydration, better sleep, and consume more bioactive compounds like antioxidants which can be good for recovery.
Below I have shared my top 4 favourite Naturya products that tick many of the boxes when it comes to what you should be looking to add into your diet to support your workouts, and why:
Protein Powder
When we think of supporting exercise performance, protein usually comes to mind first. This is because protein is required to support muscle function as well as helping with growth and repair post-workout. A well-balanced diet should include lean sources of protein from animal or plant sources, but a supplement can be super handy to help you meet your requirements every day! Naturya’s Balanced Protein Superfood Shakes are delicious and a great addition to pop into smoothies either before or after your workout or exercise class. You can also drink it on its own as a shake, or alternatively mix into yoghurts with fruit or your porridge in the morning.
We all know that we need to be getting more greens in each day, but with busy schedules it can make it hard (and expensive!). Not only are green fruit and veggies jam-packed with antioxidants to support muscle recovery and reduce oxidative stress, they also contain healthy carbs to fuel you, and nutrients to help keep you going for longer. Naturya’s Green Superblend powder is a handy way to boost your greens intake and support your session. I just drink it on its own in the morning with water, or add it to a green detox smoothie with heaps of other plants. You can find a recipe for my detox green smoothie on the Naturya Instagram!
3. Superfood Porridge
Naturya’s superfood porridge and individual pots are one of my favourite ways to fuel a few hours before a workout. There have been many trends recently of training fasted, however as a nutritionist I do not recommend this. In order for your muscles to function optimally and recover well, a healthy source of carbohydrates is necessary. The addition of superfoods such as berries and seeds found in many of the Naturya porridge flavours can help optimise your performance too.
4. Vegan Superfood Collagen Support
Lastly, I love adding in the different flavours of Naturya’s Superfood Collagen Support into porridge or smoothies. These are high in Vitamin C, protein and fibre which can all contribute to less damage to muscle cells during training, while aiding in recovery as well as gut health. Collagen can be useful in supporting joint health, helping connective tissues and supporting tendons and ligaments - reducing risk of injury and helping with strength.
To shop all of these products and more, head to the ‘shop’ section of the website!
