Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Diet soda is often used as a “crutch” by many trying to lose or maintain weight. It has zero calories, so surely it has a role to play in the weight loss industry? Amazingly enough, however, there is no scientific research that demonstrates diet soda is proportional to weight loss. In fact, it has been uncovered as the culprit to much weight gain and many negative health issues. So what then is the reality behind a seemingly innocent beverage? As a dietitian that specializes in […]
Coconut Oil in Review – Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD
I have been asked my opinion on coconut oils more than anything else in the recent past. I guess the population has gone cuckoo about coconuts. The only fact that stayed clear to me about coconut oil from school days is it is one the most saturated in fat sources that exists (as high as 90% actually). Therefore, how is it possibly a good fat? Granted, school years are way back when, and it is time to reeducate myself on coconut, which is now considered a readily available source of […]
NUTRITION FIGHTS SYMPTOMS OF FATIGUE
ILANA KATZ MS, RD, CSSD One of the most common complaints I hear from friends, clients and co-workers, is that they are all exhausted. Now don’t get me wrong, yes, I am working with many endurance and ultra-endurance athletes who train up to twenty hours per week. One’s knee-jerk reaction is “well, no wonder… all that training” meaning training logically elicits exhaustion, right? Believe it or not, no wrong – research has shown that physical activity, particularly endurance should generate invigoration (1,2) So why then are we a nation […]
EFFECTIVE FAT BURNING WORK OUTS
Intense Cardio Work outs Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD FAT BURNING SPECIFIC ROUTINES (interval training should be done 2 to 3 times a week to aid in optimal fat burning) The following 11 workouts are designed for fat burning. Why Interval training is associated with fat burning is because the higher the intensity the more likely the physiological response is to overcome lipogenesis sensitivity (in layman’s terms, fat storage mode). To keep it simple, the mechanism is […]
Give Me Some Sugar!
By Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Athletes are well aware that carbohydrates are their main source of energy, particularly during activity. Seems simple enough, but all carbohydrates are not the same. Carbohydrates (carbs) are categorized as either simple or complex. Simple carbs, commonly known as sugars, occur in the form of either a monosaccharide (one-sugar unit) or a disaccharide (two units). Complex carbs are polymers of simple carbs (many sugar units). Carbs are the main functional ingredients in sports nutrition products, mainly drinks and gels. So the question becomes, “Which […]
Iron Deficiency and Athletes Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD
Iron is a trace element, meaning it is present in the body in extremely small amounts. However, it plays a critical role in human metabolism. Iron forms the oxygen transporting compounds in blood (hemoglobin) and in muscle (myoglobin). Iron absorption by the body is determined by the amount already stored relative to a constant level. In other words, the lower the stored levels of iron (called serum ferritin), the more room there is for iron absorption. Marginal iron intake creates a risk for low iron stores, which in turn can […]
Differences in Proteins
Protein is your most metabolic active tissue, which means, the more muscle mass you have, the more potential you have to burn fat. I have recently been asked a number of questions about the differences and the value of certain types of protein. Although food is always a first preference for protein rebuild and recovery, protein supplements also provide the building blocks for muscle growth. Hopefully this article can uncover some mysteries behind the types of protein supplements on the market, when and how much to use of which (including […]
