Busting myths about nutrition for active lifestyles

By Thida Ith, M.Sc., P.Dt.

March is Dietitians of Canada’s National Nutrition Month when thousands of registered dietitians across the country are encouraging active adults and teens to make healthy food choices to support their active lifestyles. For more information about nutrition month including healthy eating tips, practical food solutions, and fun and interactive tools, visit www.dietitians.ca/eatwell.

This year’s theme, “Stay active. Eat like a Champion”, sets the stage to address some common misconceptions about nutrition and healthy eating for active lifestyles.

MYTH: I need a special diet and sports supplements now that I’m exercising regularly.

BUSTED! You don’t need products like stimulants, muscle building or weight loss supplements to get the most out of your activity or to gain muscle or lose weight.

Instead, focus on the tasty and healthy foods recommended in Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide for your active lifestyle. Vegetables and fruit, grain products and milk and alternatives provide carbohydrates to fuel active muscles. Milk and alternatives and meat and alternatives provide protein to build and repair muscles. Foods from all four food groups provide vitamins and minerals to help turn food into energy, build strong bones and muscles and ward off infection.

MYTH: You need to drink as much water as you possibly can before, during and after exercise to perform your best.

BUSTED! The truth is, you should drink some fluids before, during and after exercise, but don’t overdo it. It’s important to bring water with you and sip it during your workout. After your workout, a refreshing beverage and healthy snack will help you replace the fluid and minerals lost in sweat. Remember, beverages including water, milk, soy beverages, 100% juice and even tea, coffee and some foods all count toward keeping you hydrated throughout the day.

MYTH: Downing an “energy drink” on the way to the gym is the best way to keep your energy levels up for a workout.

BUSTED! Healthy eating and enough sleep are the real keys to long-lasting energy to get you through your day and your workout. A glass of water with a healthy snack a couple of hours before your workout can give you a real boost. Try a peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread and a banana.

Reproduced with permission from The Dietitians of Canada.  Visit www.dietitians.ca for more information on National Nutrition Month.