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What’s the healthiest way to top up my iron levels?

Question: I’ve been told my iron deficiency may be down to running (foot strike haemolysis). What’s the healthiest way for me to top up my iron levels? Answer: Iron is an essential mineral for runners and those involved in regular physical training, as it helps to build healthy red blood cells, and plays a major [...]

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How much starchy carbohydrate should we consume?

This week, amongst a lot of other activity, I had an e-mail from a mini-zine reader, which resulted in quite a dialogue. I think it may answer some your very own questions or queries on this subject – the subject of starchy carbohydrate – specifically how much starchy carbohydrate should we consume? And can exercisers [...]

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Feeling unusually hungry after a swim…

Question: I often feel unusually ravenous after swim training. Is there a physiological reason for this, and if so, how can I manage it? Answer: Some recent research at Loughborough measured the appetite hormone ghrelin, and found that during swimming, ghrelin levels and appetite was actually suppressed, which is often the case with prolonged or [...]

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Healthy ageing with great nutrition…

Healthy ageing with great nutrition…

Question: What should the older athlete consider in their diet to stay lean and healthy? Are there any special foods I should be eating? Answer: Ageing (in the physical sense) is a slowing down of the body and metabolism. In simple food terms, this means we need fewer calories, yet more nutrition – i.e. vitamins, [...]

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A solution to runner’s diarrhoea…

A solution to runner’s diarrhoea…

Q… I’m struggling with ‘runner’s trots’ on my long runs. Is there anything I can do to prevent this? I’m worried it’s going to happen in my upcoming marathon – should I take an anti-diarrhoea tablet? A… Many athletes are plagued with gastro-intestinal, or GI problems (e.g. cramping, urge to defecate, diarrhoea etc.) during training and racing. [...]

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Are you bored with fruit for dessert?

Question: I’m getting a bit bored and fed up eating the same old fruit salad after every meal. Can you suggest some alternative “healthy, tasty desserts”? Gemma Clarke – e-mail Answer: Two things or questions immediately spring to mind Gemma… firstly I would ask, “Do you need to have dessert after every meal”? And secondly, [...]

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Can naturally gifted runners eat junk food?

Question: How much difference does a good diet really make? I keep reading about great runners living off junk food and beer. Can nutrition really impact on my times? Answer: Let’s begin first, by considering overall health. It is clear from decades of scientific study and observation that diet and nutrition has a profound effect [...]

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How should I eat before my first marathon?

How should I eat before my first marathon?

Question: I’m doing my first marathon this month. I read that I should cut back on carbs for a few days before I carb load – but someone at the running club said that advice is out of date. What’s the best way to prepare the week before the race? Answer: The “old-style” 7-day carb-loading [...]

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Boosting immunity after strenous training…

Boosting immunity after strenous training…

Question: I’ve been training for an autumn marathon and seem to be hit by a “fluey” feeling, like I’m borderline ill, with a sore throat etc. when I do heavy mileage. I take Lemsips when this happens, but I wonder if there are any natural remedies for minor illnesses, and more importantly, can I improve [...]

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How does a nurse and triathlete cope with night duty?

How does a nurse and triathlete cope with night duty?

Question: I’m a nurse working on a busy intensive care unit, and also a triathlete. I have a set rota of Monday and Wednesday days and Friday night duty. What would you suggest for nutrition, and eating times during night duty so I’m not to be completely drained when it comes to training at the [...]

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