Nourishing Your Fitness: A Deep Dive into Nutritional Strategies for Optimal Health

Here at ENZED Fitness, we get a lot of people keen to start their fitness journey but are still determining where to start. Nutrition is an essential aspect of to any fitness journey and is crucial for optimal health. So, what should you do to optimise your diet for overall health and improved performance? 

Luckily for you, we will be covering our tips and tricks for creating an easy-to-follow nutritional strategy to increase your performance. In this blog, we will cover: 

• Setting goals
• Balanced nutrition plans
• Nutrient-dense foods 
• Creating sustainable nutrition plans
• Mindful eating
• Micro and macronutrients 
• Pre and post-workout nutrition tips

Where To Get Started On Your Nutrition Journey? 

Firstly, you should self-reflect to determine what your fitness goals are. What do you want to achieve and how will you achieve this? 

Nutrition for different fitness goals comes in stacks of shapes and sizes. Building muscle and trying to lose weight have different approaches, so personalising your diet for success is necessary. Customising your nutrition plan based on preferences will help you reach your goals. 

People are more likely to stick with their nutrition plan when they use meal planning. The benefits of meal planning include;

• Making healthier food choices
• Reducing mealtime stress
• Time-saving 
• Cost-saving 
• Creating food awareness

The Seven Elements That Are Crucial To a Balanced Nutrition Plan

Based on your previously set goals, you’ll develop your nutritional plan – Taking into consideration your nutrition for different fitness goals. Another aspect to consider when creating your plan is the importance of balanced nutrition. 

Here, macronutrients and micronutrients will come into play. Macronutrients like carbohydrates, fat and proteins are what we need in larger quantities. Micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals, are needed in smaller quantities. 

Throughout your fitness journey, you’ll need a balanced diet for the body to get all of the nutrients it needs to function properly. This balance will be achieved by including these seven elements: 

• Carbohydrates
• Protein
• Fat
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Fibre
• Water

What Food Should I Include To Nail My Nutrition Plan? 

Nutrient-dense food for fitness helps to build muscle. Not eating the right foods will hinder you from reaching your fitness goals. A few superfoods for fitness enthusiasts to include in your diet are:

• Eggs
• Chicken breast
• Salmon
• Cottage cheese 
• Greek yoghurt
• Avocado
• Spinach
• Quinoa

Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is a game-changing practice that gives you a better appreciation for the food and the experience. Mindful eating for health benefits the person by improving digestion, inspiring less overeating, and can lead to weight loss. 

We are used to eating food without a thought to fuel our bodies. Go on and try it! Allow yourself to taste, smell and enjoy the food that you eat, consciously. 

How Can I Make My Plan Sustainable In The Long Run? 

Building your nutritional plan is one aspect of achieving optimal health but, sticking to it is another. It is important to remember that veering off-track occasionally is not game over.

The key to building a sustainable nutrition plan is to not completely cut out food groups or drastically change what you normally eat. Instead, you should adjust your diet to fit your fitness goals by making healthier choices that align with your nutrition goals. 

By using this method, you can still enjoy your meals, except elevated with a few different ingredients. 

Pre and Post-Workout Nutrition Tips

To get the most out of your workout, follow these five pre and post-workout tips: 

• Try to eat a pre-workout meal between two to three hours before a workout and a snack no more than 90 minutes before it. Fueling your workouts with food helps optimise each training session to meet your goals. Nutritional timing in fitness is important as it will maximise the body’s performance. If training in the morning sipping on amino acids can help give your body natural energy if you wake up and go straight to the gym.

• For post-workouts, carbohydrates and proteins will be key in refuelling your body. These macronutrients will help refill the energy storage and prevent muscle breakdown. A fast absorbing protein with rapid absorbing carbs within a 20-30min window is optimal for recovery and muscle growth.

• Hydration is the most crucial factor in nutrition and clean filtered water is so important. The recommended daily intake varies based on factors including temperature, body size and exercise intensity. Making sure to avoid dehydration and drinking enough filtered water as well as amino acids during exercise will ensure hydration for peak performance

Ready to Start Your Nutritional Journey?

Here at ENZED Fitness, we offer local fitness classes for all abilities at our Newcastle fitness studio. Plus, our trainers are experts in advising on nutritional strategies for optimal health. All our meal plans supplied are written by a qualified nutritionist.

What’s better is we offer a 7-day free trial so that you can get a taste of our facilities and the extensive variety of fitness offerings at our boutique gym in Newcastle. We’ll see you in the studio soon!