Fuelling the Ferrari

Eating and Drinking to Support an Active Lifestyle

Cars are very simple machines when compared to the human body, but they will soon stop running if they are not looked after. They need the right type of fuel as well as the oil and water kept topped up. An old van might get by on cooking oil but something going a bit faster will need a better quality fuel. The human body is no different, it needs fuel to keep it going, something to keep it well oiled (no not lots of lager) and the cooling system kept topped up. You can maintain a sedentary life style on burger and chips but if you are regularly jogging or running you will need quality food.

WHAT TO EAT

A good diet will help keep you on track, on the road and on course. It need not be complicated or difficult. There are lots of special diets which have been promoted widely over the years, with all sorts of special claims. None of them are a miracle cure; the only diet that works is a sensible eating regime that suits your needs and preferences.

Getting the fundamentals right need not be complicated. The key elements of a healthy diet are variety, moderation and a bit of common sense. We need to take in a mixture of carbohydrates, proteins and fats as well as vitamins and minerals. How much of each will depend on a range of factors, such as age, exercise levels and genetic make up. Different foods contain different amounts of carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. However it does not have to be an exact science; get it roughly right and our bodies take care of the rest.

Roughly right means eating mostly carbohydrate rich foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread. Wholemeal versions are the healthier option as they contain more fibre, which is good for the digestive system, and can have higher levels of vitamins and minerals. These foods provide the energy to keep you going. Protein based foods ? fish, meat poultry or vegetarian equivalents such as tofu, quorn or pulses should make up most of the balance. Fats should only make up a small part of the diet, but are essential as some nutrients (vitamins & minerals) are best obtained in the form contained in fats. Natural foods are generally preferable to highly-processed ones which tend to contain high levels of salt and fat; these are not good news.

Regular running places high demands on the body?s systems; they need good fuels and lubricants just like high performance cars need high octane fuel and good quality oil.

WHEN TO EAT

Eating the right stuff regularly is what is needed, starting with a good breakfast. Not the traditional full English but one based around carbohydrate, so cereals, porridge, fruit and toast ? but easy on the butter and marmalade. If you need it to maintain energy levels have a healthy snack mid-morning, then lunch, an afternoon snack, if you want, and a healthy supper. Eating more often may make you eat less as it avoids binge eating later in the day. Eating smaller portions more regularly helps maintain energy levels but avoid sugary snacks as these give you an immediate boost followed by a low energy period which will tempt you to eat more sugary snacks.

If you plan to run in the evening a small, healthy afternoon snack will keep you energised and help you get out of the door in the evening rather than staying slumped on the sofa until supper time.

DRINKING

Our bodies need water to allow all the different internal processes to function properly. It also helps to cool the body just like water does in a car. However, in a car it is a sealed system, our bodies lose water through sweat and in the air we breathe out so keeping levels topped up is essential. Drinking small amounts regularly during the day is better than gulping down a few pints at a time. (water of course). Fizzy drinks tend to come packed with sugar; lots of it, so are best kept for treats and alcohol can actually decrease the amount of water in your body so does not count as part of your fluid in take.

SOURCES OF MORE INFORMATION

There is a whole wealth of information about food and diet on the internet, in books, on television and on radio. Some of it is very good and some is rubbish. The problem is knowing which is which. A little commonsense usually helps. If it says 'miracle', 'can't fail', 'guaranteed', 'easy', 'the latest', 'used by celebrities' ignore it.