Fuel Your Fitness

Do you have a high school or college athlete in your family?  Are you training for a marathon? Will your next vacation include hiking, biking, canoeing or some other vigorous activity? Whatever physical challenge you are facing, it can be a lot more fun and rewarding if you fuel your body well.

Fueling: 

Providing the body with the necessary nutrients to enhance stamina, strength, and focus is your goal. Just like all humans, athletes need all the basics – carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals from smart food choices. Because training and competing burn more calories, athletes typically need more food, but never the less, avoid junk food and empty calories

Hydration: 

Maintaining proper hydration to prevent dehydration and fatigue, is crucial for optimal muscle performance. Be smart and prepared with plenty of water and electrolyte beverages.

Recovery: 

Supporting the body's recovery process after exercise, including muscle repair and glycogen replenishment will not only help you feel better, but it will also enable you to perform better the next day.

Timing of meals and snacks: 

You may have heard the phrase “carb-loading”?  It really works. Eating a balanced meal the night before and the morning of an event, with a carbohydrate-rich snack before, can optimize performance. 

Post-workout recovery: 

Consuming a combination of protein and carbohydrates after exercise is extremely important for muscle repair and glycogen replenishment. 

Sleep:

No matter what sport or activity, your body will be more well prepared to handle the challenge if you get good, restorative sleep each night.

Does Shaklee have Sports Nutrition Products to support me?  I’m so glad you asked!!

Yes, we have a Performance line of supplements that can help everyone from those just starting out on their fitness journey to elite, competitive athletes. These products are safe, clean, and clinically proven to optimize your nutrition profile and support your overall fitness goals. Here are my family’s favorites:

• Performance Physique – whey protein for recovery - comes in banana, chocolate or vanilla flavor - excellent for after competition or work out. Mark loves it with a little bit of ice cream and chocolate sauce mixed in after a 30+ mile bike ride.

• Performance PM Recovery – tart cherry extract and much more – this is absolutely fantastic for alleviating sore muscles as you sleep. The first time our family used this after a hard day of skiing, we were truly amazed at the results.

• Advanced Joint Health Complex – Glucosamine and Boswellia to nurture your knees and other joints. We have used this daily for years!

• Performance Pre-Workout or Endurance Energize Drink – delicious, effective, and healthy for you. Shaklee does not use some of the negative ingredients common in these types of beverages.

• Electrolyte+Hydrate+Focus Drink – did I say delicious before?  These packets full of goodness take deliciousness and refreshing to a new level.

• Performance Energy Chews – each lemon lime chew contains a blend of caffeine from natural green tea extract, plus L-tyrosine, L-theanine, B vitamins, and vitamin D for a healthy boost of energy that doesn't lead to a crash later on.

• Shaklee 180 Meal Bars – these are from our weight management line, but so helpful to have on hand when you need a quick and healthy and delicious snack or meal full of protein. Our kids often used these on the bus ride home after a sporting event.

• Joint and Muscle Pain Cream – let’s face it, sometimes your body needs a little attention for the sore spots.

• Vita Lea – this excellent multivitamin helps fill in the gaps in your nutrition so your body can face the challenges well.  I have helped several athletes with low-iron who found a significant change when they added this to their daily routine.