Watch your mouth (and get the best workout for you)

Singapore Health Promotion Board has been actively promoting the “Get Active” movement. You can check on the Health Promotion Board website to find out the variety of physical activities that are held island wide, and of course join YogaTime’s events and classes. However, I’ve noticed that many people don’t know how important it is to watch their mouths (I mean, their diet). Today, we’re going to talk about what you should eat for Pilates.

Pilates is a light to moderate intensity exercise that involves a lot of emphasis on the core. To fully take advantage of the workout, you will have to take a look at keeping a balanced diet. Since there is so much focus on the abdominals, you will want to leave a fairly empty stomach, or have something light 2 to 3 hours or more before class.

Before Pilates Class

You want to have enough energy to get through the class so a light snack is smart. Complex carbohydrates and lean proteins, with a little high-quality fat, are good choices for a pre-Pilates meal which sustain energy. Some baked sweet potatoes with a handful of almonds will be a good example as pre-workout. Drink a large glass of water 90 minutes before the class so you have enough time to eliminate the extra but enough to start the class well-hydrated.

After Pilates Class

You want to make sure your body has enough nutrients it needs to strengthen the muscles and replenish your energy. Have a protein smoothie after class or light snack that includes protein as well as carbohydrate. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

In a blender, combine filtered water and the following:

  • 1-2 tablespoons omega-3 rich sport oil, like flax oil – best bought at a health food store as it degrades easily in heat and storage.
  • 1-2 servings of whey, hemp or soy protein isolate.
  • 1/2-1 cup of low-glycemic organic fresh fruit.
  • Additional performance ingredients such as ribose, creatine, glutamine and spirulina (½-1 teaspoon of each)
  • If you want a frozen smoothie, add ice once you have added the powders and fruit.

Blend all of the ingredients until your desired thickness is obtained.

Your diet between workouts will depend on whether you have a goal of losing weight or you simply want to eat what is best for your body. At the end of the day, being consistent is the key. If you can spare a good 30 minutes every day to be active, eat mindfully, you’ll feel the improvement physically and surprisingly, mentally as well.