FITNESS Exercise is not an licence to eat what you like

Exercise is not a licence to eat what you like


Personal Trainer
Paul O'Brien

Achieving optimal health and well-being is about balance. This balance can be achieved by addressing a number of factors, among them exercise, diet, rest, investing in rewarding relationships and doing meaningful work.
As a fitness professional, I recognise that of these factors, a key relationship is that between exercise and food.  Achieving your health and fitness goals simply cannot be done without a good balance between these two variables. And yet, there is a trend, almost a mindset, that performing exercise can in some ways be licence to eat what one likes.
Food is fuel. A diet that includes lots of saturated fats, sugars and refined foods will fuel a lifestyle that is mainly sedentary. It will also cause a myriad of health issues, a lack of energy and has implications for your mental and emotional health.
As you begin exercising, the fuel you provide your body becomes even more important. The right fuel will aid recovery after exercise, propagate muscle resynthesis, support cell growth and function and provide your body with all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals required to fuel an active and healthy lifestyle.
So, what should you be eating? Well, thankfully it’s not rocket science, and the foundations for a balanced, healthy diet are well established. Start with fresh fruit and vegetables. My preference is for locally grown, organic produce with the dirt still on it! Add good quality, lean sources of protein such as game meats, poultry and fish. I top my diet up with free range eggs and a little dairy and plenty of nuts, seeds, olive and rapeseed oils for essential fats, varieties of beans and peas and a little dark chocolate every now and then. If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of information and mis-information available, a good first step is to consult a qualified nutritionist. This can help identify any food allergies you may have, recognise dietary deficiencies and will help you formulate a dietary plan that works for you.
With the right fuel on board, you’ll have the energy for exercise and for life.

Paul O’Brien is a personal trainer and life coach based in Westport.