Carbohydrates, typically thought of as starches and sugars, are considered to be our bodies’ main source of energy. These carbohydrates can be found in a wide range of food items, from starchy vegetables to processed candy. Endurance athletes have to pay particular attention to their diet, selecting food options that support their training and lifestyle. Acting as fuel for the body, carbohydrates can significantly impact an athlete’s health and performance. Here’s a closer look at the role carbohydrates play in their diets for students interested in learning more about nutrition and health. Understanding Carbohydrates and Their Role in Athletes’ Diets .. READ MORE »
If you’ve been on YouTube recently, you might have noticed that “kidfluencers” are extremely popular, with their videos garnering millions of views. These videos produced by teens and children often include various messages that promote junk food and unhealthy eating. As a nutrition and health student, you’re likely passionate about promoting the development of good health habits and eating well. With this in mind, here’s a quick overview of the situation for students taking nutrition and health courses. How Kid Influencers on YouTube Are Promoting Junk Food to Young Viewers Kid-targeted advertising has always been controversial, particularly considering that children.. READ MORE »
In today’s health-crazed world, consumers seem to be in constant search of the latest and greatest power-food or specialized diet for maximizing physical wellbeing. Unlike many new food trends or passing nutrition fads, antioxidants have persisted in the public’s imagination as one of the ultimate ingredients in the fight against free radicals, oxidative stress, and chronic disease. But are antioxidants actually scientifically proven to battle illness and restore cell health, as people believe? We take a closer look below. What Exactly Are Antioxidants? Antioxidants are compounds thought to slow oxidation, a chemical reaction in the body that can produce cell-damaging.. READ MORE »
Intermittent fasting is a diet that has experienced a lot of media coverage, buzz, and popularity over the last few years. Endorsed by social media influencers, celebrities, and even twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, this restrictive diet is experiencing its moment of fame. A study of Americans in 2018 found that of the 36% of Americans who reported following a specific diet or eating pattern, 10% of them were undergoing intermittent fasting. This was the most cited diet of any other one. When undergoing intermittent fasting, adherents move between periods of eating and not eating. The nuances of the schedule differ.. READ MORE »
“Doping” refers to when athletes take banned substances to enhance their performance. It is a major problem in sport and athletics internationally and has been done by athletes since organized sport became a popular pastime. Even in Ancient Greece and Rome, Olympians and Gladiators consumed dangerous substances to enhance their performance. The issue with doping is not only one of fairness, but also of safety. There are numerous health risks and complications involved with the substances typically used to enhance performance. Sports organizations and governing bodies have all taken a stance against the prevalence of doping in sport, but it.. READ MORE »
When thinking of things that influence a person’s body weight, the first things that probably come to mind are eating habits and exercise regimens. Though both these things do indeed factor into a person’s body weight, the overall picture is more complex. Food-related habits, like the consumption of high-fat and high-calorie foods, and the speed at which a person eats, can influence body weight. Exercise, or the lack of it, is also a determinant of body weight. However, there are many factors that come together to determine a person’s body weight, and not all of them are related to lifestyle.. READ MORE »
As any record-breaking athlete will tell you, a good diet plan can make the difference between a personal best or a disappointing finish. Nutritionists are essential to the success of sports teams and triathletes. Training for a triathlon is slightly more complicated because it is a mix of three very different disciplines: swimming, biking, and running. Triathlons can vary in distance from a short quick sprint to a grueling ironman. The recommended nutrition plan will depend on the length of the event as well as the gender, height, and weight of the athlete. Read on to find out how graduates.. READ MORE »
Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, known to boost heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Fish oil is also used for recovery in athletes. Since the human body requires omega-3s, they are a good idea to consciously incorporate into a diet in general. For physical activity and recovery, the anti-inflammatory acids also reduce muscle breakdown, so this has a valuable effect on recovery. In particular with clients who are injured, fish oil can enhance the body’s ability to preserve muscle tissue while not in use. Read on for more about fish oil and.. READ MORE »
As you will learn in your program, micronutrients are essential for bodily function. Vitamins and minerals, or micronutrients, are distinct from macronutrients, which are fat, carbohydrates, and protein, as they are needed in smaller amounts. They play important roles in energy, growth, and other aspects of human health. The main difference between the two types of micronutrients is that minerals come from soil or water, while vitamins come from plants or animals. In addition, vitamins, which are organic, can be broken down structurally while minerals, which are inorganic, cannot be. The most effective way to get adequate micronutrients is from.. READ MORE »
If you’re pursuing a nutrition certificate or even just have an interest in doing so, you’ve likely heard of Intermittent Fasting (IF), which has become something of a fitness trend. Though fasting has been part of human behaviour most of our history, the research and integration of it into the wellness industry has increased recently. Research is still ongoing, but the popularity of fasting makes it a prominent topic of debate and research in the field of nutrition. Average people do a version of intermittent fasting each day, while they are asleep. During this time, cell repair occurs and other.. READ MORE »
