Simply Nutrition

Complete Guide to Triathlon Swimming…

As a former triathlete myself, and somebody who still “loves” her swimming and swims very regularly, this e-book is fantastic! Author, and triathlon swim coach, Kevin Koskella from the US, has put together an excellent guide and resource for swimmers, from beginner to advanced, competitive and non-competitive. The book contains 12 chapters, with sections on technique, stroke drills, and land-based exercises too to improve strength. It also includes a 12-week training plan, and information on open water swimming, preparing for triathlon competition, and lots more besides! His “Tri Swim Coach Newsletter” is good too, and provides you with plenty of coaching advice; articles and a swim “Tip of the month” too.  SO for all you budding swimmers and triathletes, do consider “Complete Guide to Triathlon Swimming” to add to your collection of training resources.

Dairy or not?

Whether or not human beings should drink cow's milk and eat dairy foods HAS TO BE ONE OF THE MOST discussed, controversial, and down-right "opinionated" areas of nutrition. I believe we are heading towards an equal population "split", with as many drinking milk, as there are NOT!

DO you drink cow's milk? If you don't drink cow's milk, why don't you?

PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW...

How does fitness affect productivity?

Let’s firstly define the meaning of “fitness” as having a healthy functioning body and mind. “You are what you eat” is a commonly used term nowadays, and has possibly lost some of its impact? However, no truer words could be spoken, when referring to “fitness” of body and mind. Nutrition has “everything” to do with fitness. It is the “fuel” to produce physical and mental energy, and is therefore closely linked to productivity. The fitter the person, the more productive and energetic they will be… physically, mentally and emotionally.

Alcohol – let’s not let it get out of hand!

I recently read some very worrying statistics about alcohol consumption in the UK. Unlike smoking, which thankfully is showing a small downward trend, alcohol consumption continues to rise, along with alcohol-related deaths and disease. Now, adults should “know better”, but what about children?

The amount of alcohol consumed on a weekly basis by young children in England (aged 11 to 15yrs) has doubled - from 5.3 units in 1990 to 10.4 units in 2004. The greatest increase has been among girls aged 14, now drinking 9-10 units a week (Department of Health General Household Survey, Office for National Statistics). Children of this age surely shouldn’t be having ONE unit a week, let alone 10! Has alcohol become so accepted as well as accessible in society that it is normal for children to drink too?

Turbulence Training for effective fat loss...

Men's Fitness magazine recently asked Craig Ballantyne for his best fat loss secrets. I highly recommend Craig's e-book called "Turbulence Training" (also see "Interesting Reading" in the left-hand column), which shows you how to get the most out of your exercise, by combining effective interval training with basic, but very effective strength exercises. This type of exercise or training is one of the best ways to kickstart the body into burning more fat, post-workout. It is very time-efficient too!

Craig says...

Turbulence Training for Optimum fat loss

What is Turbulence Training?

Turbulence Training is a system of fat loss training inspired by power/speed athletes. However it is not just for athletes, and is effective for anyone interested in optimum fat loss. When I read about this, it reminded me of something that “buzzed” around the fitness world a few years back called “blood shunting”! Turbulence training has been named, and trademarked by Men's Fitness advisor Craig Ballantyne. It was developed based on scientific research in exercise physiology, and uses a combination of a high intensity interval training with a special type of resistance training that revolves mainly around supersets (and some circuits).