5 nutrition and recovery tips to help your health and fitness goals
Is pushing your fitness level to new heights one of your goals for 2022? In addition to training, proper nutrition and recovery play a big role, and we have some tips to help you perform at your best.
If you’re looking to challenge yourself and test your endurance, join The Maddie Project for the gruelling Push ‘Your’ Limits: Goggins Challenge where you walk or run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours from March 4-6. It’s all in support of youth mental health at North York General. Whether participating in the event or not, these tips can help you achieve your goals.
1. Plan for quality nutrition
Eating foods that provide energy and are easy to digest will help get you through any tough fitness challenge. Carbohydrates are especially beneficial and foods like yogurt, bananas, sweet potatoes and granola are all good options. Creating a meal plan that includes the nutritional requirements to optimize performance will help you reach your goal.
2. Take a rejuvenating shower
After any training session, a rejuvenating shower can help your muscles recover and promotes good hygiene. Participants in the Push ‘Your’ Limits: Goggins Challenge will be running or walking every four hours for 48 hours, and showering between runs will benefit recovery and help prepare for the next leg.
3. Don’t forget to hydrate
As endurance athletes know, if you’re thirsty during your training, you’re already dehydrated. Make sure to drink an adequate amount of fluid including water and recovery drinks (if available). Try to drink fluids steadily between and during any cardiovascular workouts to maintain your hydration levels.
4. Find time to sleep
Getting enough rest is just as critical as training and nutrition, and it allows your body the time it needs to recover from any training session. A good night’s sleep will help you perform at your best.
5. Safety first
Whatever your fitness goal, it is important to get expert advice before undertaking anything that could be too strenuous. Talking to your physician is always a great idea when creating your health and fitness plan and taking a class or working with a certified trainer can help you train safely and avoid injuries.
