I know your mother told you to have a good breakfast to start your day, but define ‘good’?
What keeps you going on a cold day? What fills your belly? What gives you the fortitude to deal with the day? The answer: carbs, not so simple, but rather complex, with a balance of protein and essential fats.
OK? So how do I get that?
When you are in a hurry to get on the slopes, it’s best to plan ahead the night before. I suggest steel cut oatmeal prepared the night before, then warmed up with the milk of your choice and a scoop a nutritionally balanced meal replacement drink mix powder including plant protein with fruit and vegetable powders. Add your choice of nuts and berries for an added punch! No added sweetener is necessary with that blend and it will keep you going through to lunch.
Oatmeal is one of those miracle foods; it’s filled with protein, fibre, vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. Plus oatmeal helps keep you fuller longer, so instead of your body spending energy on being hungry it can spend energy keeping you warm.
Mornings can get the better of us, so if you are really in a hurry, blend up the meal replacement mix powder with your choice of liquid and take it with you. Also remember to have a full glass of water or two to hydrate your body and mind for the day.
Back to Aprés being your second most important meal…
It’s important to replenish your energy stores that have been depleted through the day. Get something good in your gut before you head to the candy counter or bar. Continuing with the trend of complex carbs with a balance of protein and essential fats, your best food choice is to bring something with you to the hill.
Check out skiproontario.com for simple, delicious and healthy recipes. You can click here to read about Leslie’s power cookies recipe. And again be sure to accompany whatever you have at this point with a glass of water to aid in digestion and rehydration.
Making good choices at breakfast and Après will make you a better athlete, instructor, parent and friend and keep you going through the ski season and beyond.
Leslie Milthorpe, HBSc. Kinesiology & Health, CSIA 2
JuicePLUS+® Wellness Coach for www.CSIAonJuicePLUS.com
416-508-0212 direct and 1-866-208-3881 toll free message
All profits from the sales of JuicePLUS+® products purchased through www.CSIAonJuicePLUS.com will be donated to CSIA Ontario.
