he food pyramid is designed to maintain the negative energy balance needed to aid weight loss, while maximising the intake of the necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients essential to the maintenance of an active lifestyle. Following this plan should also lead to reduced cravings for unhealthy foods and stabilise blood sugar levels for both short term and long term health.
Here is some guidance on the groups to maximise the benefits of physical training.
- Water and 0 calorie fluids- Aim for at least 2 litres a day.
Keep water available at all times, at your desk, in the car, or commuting bag, and at home keep naturally flavoured or filtered water in the fridge, and near to where you sit at home. - Water helps to supress appetite, leading to an overall reduction in calories throughout the day.
- When body fat is burned during your workouts, toxins stored in fat cells can be released, and extra water is required to aid removal from the body. As well as toxins, water is in fact the best treatment for removing excess water retained in the body.
- Avoid ‘diet’ soft drinks- They may contain ingredients that can switch off fat burning mechanisms in the body. Try to stick to herbal teas and infusions from fresh ingredients. Experiment with different flavours, and keep iced teas in the fridge over summer.
- Limit caffeinated drinks wherever possible, and only in the morning.