ACTIVITY AND YOUR DIET

Posted 07 November 2006

ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND ACTIVITY

Any form of activity requires energy; this energy is supplied by the foods we eat. Carbohydrates and fat give us most of the energy for activity and certainly is the most important fuel when being active.

There are a number of factors concerning exercise that govern the amount of fuel used, including the length of time we are active, what sort of exercise we are undertaking and how hard it is.

When we become active we use fat and carbohydrates as our main source of energy. Therefore, it is really important to refuel - especially in the form of carbohydrates - after exercise.

Without enough of these foods you will find that you will tire a lot you more quickly when exercising, it will take longer for you to recover and the intensity of your exercise will be lower.

It is crucial therefore that you have enough of these types of foods as you increase your activity levels. Some tips to remember when eating for energy:

• Always include some complex carbohydrates (e.g. rice, pasta, bread & potatoes)
• Aim to eat within a couple of hours (1 - 2 ideally) of finishing your activity.
• Have foods that are easily digested.
• Bear in mind that eating the right foods will enable you to train more efficiently and enjoyably without feeling tired.
• Remember the energy equation – we’re aiming to have a minimum of a 250 calorie expenditure coming from your daily increased activity.