Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Researched and accepted dietary principles may guide the individual to finding a healthy and appropriate lifestyle for themselves. I have laid out a few of these that within my studies, experience and analysis of current articles in peer-reviewed journals with an understanding that each human is unique. Unique in their metabolism/physiology, in their emotional and stress (psychology) and in their struggles and challenges with daily living. Therefore, it goes without saying that there is no single “diet” or “lifestyle” that works for the masses. Each […]
Eat to beat Cramps
The physiology of cramps can be complex. Nutrition may or may not have a role to play behind the why!! Stretching out and massaging muscles can certainly be a good start but this is often NOT enough, since electrolyte balance plays a major role in muscle function and recovery. Key nutrients include sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and calcium. On a personal level, having participated in master’s swim meet, while training for Ironman races, it is not uncommon for me to observe swimmers gathering at the lanes end in-between sets to […]
Emotional Eating: Awareness and Control
Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Emotional (or stress) eating has always been a hot topic, mainly because one can find themselves turning to the pantry or fridge for a source of comfort, even though the appetite stimulant hormones are not active. How it can be controlled, comes with an understanding of what it is and why it happens and then developing an appropriate strategy on how it can be controlled. Recognizing signs of emotional eating may seem obvious, like feelings of stress, anger, or sadness drives you to eat. Underlying […]
Go with your Gut – GI Distress from a different perspective
Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Since a big part of my work with athletes involves reducing the risk of Gastrointestinal (GI) distress I thought a different perspective of the GI environment and how to nurture it would be rather informative. The organisms and their metabolic processes themselves, the majority of which live in the colon, are referred to as microbiome and they dramatically effect human health in general, not just for athletism. The microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms ranging between bacteria, fungi, viruses, and others., all of […]
How to Form Lifestyle Habits
Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Challenges are embraced, and once decided upon require the extra effort to ensure getting to the finish line. Does your resolve weaken before success? Do you risk stalling? Do you focus on outcome instead of process? Do you consider yourself an “all-or-nothing” individual? If you answer “yes” to either of these two questions, you may need to make more of your efforts habit-forming rather than forced. Athletes who are consistent with good habits are the most successful. Athletes, or anyone for that matter, sustain momentum […]
FUEL SAFE ZONE
protein cookies 1 c (4 scoops) vanilla whey protein powder 1 c almond flour 1 c almond butter 1½ c unsweet applesauce 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt sweetener optional, and for taste: Recommend to use a stevia based one and about 1 Tbsp is perfect amount for the recipe. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Use as a batter and shape into cookie size on a baking sheet (3″ diameter, can roll into a ball and press slightly down to flatten). Bake at 350 […]
RESOLVING TO BE A BETTER TRIATHLETE
Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD (a partner in crime) Just the other day I was pleased to see a whole bunch of 5:00am-ers waiting for the gym doors to open. The regulars were there too, most of them with their eye roll to one another (translation: “these new folk will be gone before the next cold days emerges”). According to Time.Com. the most broken resolutions are related to diet and exercise. So why then do people keep making the same resolutions and breaking them year after year? More importantly, what […]
FUEL SAFE ZONE
Energy Balls with a twist of coconut A couple of energy balls are a perfect go to snack in the middle of an afternoon slump, or actually… whenever 😉 ½ c oats 1 scoop (¼ c) of vanilla whey 2 Tbsp honey 1 tsp almond extract ½ c peanut butter (or almond butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)) ½ c unsweet coconut (shredded) 1 Tbsp coconut oil 3 tsp of dark chocolate chips Mix all the ingredients together. Roll into balls with diam. about tip of thumb size.
Mango Ginger Salsa Chicken – ILANA’s Recipe
Salsa is great substitute for other marinades, offering a medley of flavours with a lower salt content yet tasty and nutritious too. Grilled Mango-Ginger Salsa Chicken (4 servings) Time saver tip: Peeled and cut up mango is probably available in the produce section of most grocery stores. (Nothing wrong with peeling and cutting up mango yourself as a money saver though). Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (~ 4oz each) 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp curry powder 1 tsp brown sugar ½ tsp coarsely ground black pepper ¼ tsp […]
Garbage or Gourmet?
The phrase “Eat healthy” more than likely creates a visual of fruits and vegetables in most people’s minds. Even I, in my office, have a poster that recommends “Eat a Rainbow” today. The poster represents a rainbow made from food, from red beets and tomatoes, to green leafy vegetables, yellow squash, bright orange papaya and even purple eggplant. Many of us actually do eat this way, but we also tend to throw away the parts of our rainbow that could offer a greater nutritional value than the parts we […]
