Whether it is merely jogging or playing an outdoor sport such as football, active people or athletes must eat a nutritious and balanced diet. Adequate nutrition ensures ample fuel for the body. Proper nutrition, like any sports activity, has basic ground rules. Following these rules and getting plenty of practice can help people lead a healthy life. This article sheds light on the importance of both fitness and nutrition.
A well-balanced diet is crucial, as it provides the required energy in the form of carbohydrates, fats, essential protein, vitamins, and minerals. But, what is a well-balanced diet? Several health experts and nutritionists suggest that a diet containing 55-60% of calories from carbohydrates, around 20% of calories from fat, and the remaining (about 10-15%) from protein can help you stay at the pink of your health. The calorie percentage translates into eating a variety of foods every day: fruits, vegetables, beans, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats. The base of the diet must comprise starches and sugars. Water and other fluids are also an essential part of the winning combination. The fluids not only help transport nutrients throughout the body but also avoid dehydration. Lack of hydration can stop even the fittest individual from playing his or her best game.
How does nutrition help us stay fit?
Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand. When we consume starches or sugars, our body converts them to glucose. It is the only form of carbohydrate that is consumed directly by muscles for energy. The carbohydrates can be in the form of starches present in vegetables and grains, table sugar (sucrose), fruits and juices (fructose), or milk sugar (lactose).
Since the body uses this glucose in the blood for energy, it is stored in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscles. During exercise, glycogen is broken down to provide power to the muscles. Our body has enough glycogen in muscles to provide energy for at least two hours of training. Most activities, such as exercise and sports, do not require glycogen from external food sources. So, eating carbohydrates during training usually is not needed. For some active people, carbohydrate-consumption during exercise helps maintain blood glucose and energy levels, thereby preventing muscle fatigue.
Most active people who exercise or play sports do not engage in “carbohydrate loading,” which is a unique technique of eating ample amounts of carbohydrates for several days before an endurance event. Instead, it is recommended to focus on getting enough carbohydrates daily. The best way to acquire plenty of energy is to eat a nutritious, balanced diet that is high in carbohydrates and low in fat. Fitness and nutrition is not rocket science. All you need to do is be aware of what type of nutrients and exercises can help you stay fit and active. Make sure that you consult a nutritionist and a doctor to ensure that you are not suffering from any health conditions to avoid allergic reactions or other health complications.
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Tips for a multiple sclerosis diet
Read moreThe nerve fibers in the body of people suffering from multiple sclerosis get damaged. This is because multiple sclerosis damages the layer of myelin present on the nerve fiber, a substance that protects nerves and helps in transmitting signal throughout the body.
Multiple sclerosis is one of the common neurological diseases in young adults.
There are some dietary factors that appear to have an impact on people suffering from multiple sclerosis. Hence, understanding the role of diet while suffering from multiple sclerosis could help one in having fewer relapses and lead a better quality of life.
Multiple sclerosis is a brain disorder that affects the nervous system. So, it is important to have multiple sclerosis diets that support a healthy immune system. A diet that helps to improve beneficial gut flora might help to achieve this.Here are few food products that are good for people suffering from multiple sclerosis.
Probiotics
Probiotics are present in food products such as fermented foods, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, fermented tea. These contain lacto-bacteria which is a type of beneficial bacteria. Adjusting the gut flora using probiotics might prove to be helpful for people suffering from multiple sclerosis. This is because these bacteria help in improving the entire immune system of the body.Fiber
Fiber found in plant foods such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes help in promoting optimal health by nourishing the gut bacteria and regulate bowel movements, thus keeping the heart healthy, which is difficult to maintain for people suffering from multiple sclerosis. Being a filling food source, fiber also helps you keep full.Vitamin D
Since we have eliminated consuming vitamin D through milk, as it contains saturated fats, other sources rich in vitamin D, such as egg yolks, canned sardines, and cod liver oil can be consumed. Exposure to morning sunlight can prove to be a protective nutrient for people suffering from multiple sclerosis.PUFAs
PUFAs or Polyunsaturated fatty acids help in maintaining a healthy body and controls inflammation. It appears to improve brain as well as cardiac health which is weak in people suffering from multiple sclerosis. Foods that contain PUFAs include fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel. Plant based oil (except coconut and palm oil) are also rich PUFAs.Biotin
Biotin is also referred to as vitamin B or Vitamin H. It is usually found in foods such as eggs, yeast, liver, and kidney. High-dose of biotin may benefit some people suffering from multiple sclerosis.
Before going on any type of multiple sclerosis diets, it is very important to consult a doctor, as they will be able to guide one better as to which foods to include and which food products to avoid in a multiple sclerosis diet. -
How to get free cell phone plans
Read moreAnything for free today is welcome, even if it is something you don’t really need. Today, in the fast changing and competitive market, companies vie to attract customers by providing freebies and expanding their consumer base. This is true for every industry – freebies will always attract.
Telecom or telecommunication industry is one the most common industries where the battle to attract new customers is forever ongoing. So, it is natural that they provide a lot of their services for free. However, the actual fact is that most of the things may not be free as they advertise. They may offer a $0 mobile, buy one get one mobile free etc., but there are a lot of charges that are hidden behind the deals which the customer may know about only in the future.
If you are a light phone user and if your data and call usage is limited to a particular level, then there are options available like Freedompop. The company launched in the US market in the year 2012. The target of the company is the light phone users. Under the plan of Freedompop, you get the following benefits.
500 MB of free data every month.
200 minutes of talk time to any mobile in the US
500 text messagesYou may find the plan amazing but there are some limitations for this plan. If you’ve opted for auto top up the time and you exceed your data limit of 500MB, you’ll be charged with $10 for the additional data you use However, regarding the voice and the text plan, there is an app for the company, and if you exceed the voice and the text too you can continue those services using that app. The one main drawback of the Freedompop is that you can’t use your own handset. Instead, you will need to use the device provided by them.
There exists a subsidized program in the US called the Lifeline’ phone service where you get phone and telecom services for free. However, this is limited to a group of low income people (people with an income of or below, 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines). If you fall in this fraction, you can avail this service where you get a phone free of cost and certain amount of voice and data for free a month. One connection per customer or household can be availed if you are eligible.