Monday, May 11, 2009

Do you need balance in your life? How about a lifestyle change?

Success in a sport or with your fitness routine is all about finding the best balance (every person is different) between training/exercising and living the rest of your life. Once you find that right balance, your exercise, training or athletic performance will improve and you will find yourself at ease with your current life. Ultimately, knowing that you are not neglecting other important parts in your life, which will also keep you happy and healthy, is the best way to live in the moment and make the most out of your only life.





Are you in need of a sports nutrition consultation or coaching?

Are you a competitive athlete, looking to take your training to the next level?
Is your new healthy and active lifestyle leaving you with little energy?
Are you overwhelmed by the many sport drinks, weight loss products and nutrition articles available to consumers?

As a competitive endurance triathlete and I hold a Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science with a minor in psychology. I also hold a certification by the American Dietetic Association in Adult Weight Management and a certification in Sports Nutrition by the International Society of Sports Nutrition(CISSN). I completed the dietetic program at the University of Northern Colorado (Distance program) and was recently accepted into a dietetic internship. I will be a dietetic intern (distance dietetic internship at Marywood University) in Jacksonville, FL from June 5, 2010 - May 2011. After I finish this program, I will be eligible to sit for the National RD exam to become a registered dietitian (RD). My passion lies in helping others pursue their fitness and health goals. Whether you are hoping to finish your first sprint distance triathlon, attempting your first 5K run/walk or training to race at the Ironman World Championships, proper nutrition is an integral part of your training program.

Based on the fundamentals of nutrient timing, a nutrition consultation is highly recommended to veteran athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or newbie athletes, who aren’t quite sure how to eat in order to fuel and re-fuel for workouts.

Daily exercise is not a fad or a temporary lifestyle change to get you to your goal weight. So, why should your diet be temporary? Whether you are trying to lose 50 lbs or hoping to lean up for an upcoming race, the principles of eating healthy, nutritious and wholesome foods are mandatory for living a healthy, active and happy life. Although you may be training for an upcoming race, nutrient timing is vital for a quality life.

If you’re currently training for an upcoming race or looking for a jump start in your weight loss and fitness journey, I can provide tools to help you reach your weight loss and/or fitness goals. I do not believe that a person should feel restricted, guilty or stressed with a new nutrition program. Healthy eating can be enjoyable, satisfying and rewarding so long as you have the right tools to understand how to time your nutrition with your training/exercise routine. Because a healthy life, at a healthy weight, requires exercise and proper nutrition, it is time to learn how to Eat for Fuel!

My focus is sports nutrition and therefore I want you to perform, train and exercise in the best possible way through a practical and realistic lifelong nutrition plan.
I have had great success with the individuals I have worked with, including weight loss and improvements in performance/energy. Aside from losing weight, your performance gains (ex. training for an event or feeling stronger in an aerobics class) will keep you motivated to stay consistent with your new and improved healthy nutrition plan.
For most people, it is only when you see results (baggy clothes, drop in weight on the scale, feeling stronger) that you are more compelled to stick to your nutrition plan. And because nutrition and exercise work so nicely together, you never have to fear failure with a lifetime of eating healthy and enjoying life!

Because individual nutrition isn't a 'one-time' thing and life can change at any moment, it is important that you learn how to eat at time of your life, no matter where you are, what you are doing or who you are with. Whether you are at a birthday party, a work event or a party, you can stick to your nutrition plan because your nutrition plan will not fail you.

COACHING:
Are you considering signing up for your first 5K or triathlon? Are you hoping to qualify for the Boston marathon or the Ironman World Championships? Do you have your eyes set on an endurance triathlon or running event but don't know how to get started?
I design training plans for all levels of fitness depending on your lifestyle and fitness/racing goals. Whether you are a newbie or competitive athlete, I apply the concept of periodization, as well as many physiological and nutrition principles, in an effort to help you meet your personal fitness goals. I design training plans to foster gains in performance and strength, all while focusing on your strengths and and weakness's in both your personal and athletic life.

***A nutrition consultation from a non-RD is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease. Please recognize that ONLY registered dietitians are qualified to focus on medical conditions.

Contact:
mrakes1@hotmail.com