Newsletter
Better, Faster, Stronger… A New You for 2006!
New year, new you–it’s a mantra that speaks to the almost universal desire to turn over a new leaf come January. And what better way to recommit yourself to an exercise regimen? But if you need an extra push to get you going this year, consider this: Exercise…
- enhances your performance and concentration at work and at play
- reduces stress levels
- stimulates the release of human growth hormone to keep you looking young
- increases your metabolism so you stay lean
- helps you burn calories both while you exert yourself and for hours afterward and more!
So what are you waiting for? It’s time get ready for the new 2006 you!
Get It Started–Fresh Tips for Success!
Besides a regular fitness regimen, what does it take to get this new 2006 model you on track? Here are a few quick tips to help you get the most out of your regular routine:
1. Push yourself. To get optimal payoff from your efforts, you need to feel at least a little burn. Exercise for at least a half an hour. To further enhance your fitness, develop a routine that includes days when you push yourself harder and longer
2. Sleep! Sufficient rest is key to optimal performance. Sleeping restocks your energy stores, helps your body repair damage, helps your immune system function and even bolsters your motor coordination. If you want your body to operate at its athletic peak, rest up!
3. Update your shopping list. This year, make sure your grocery list includes plenty of fiber-rich green vegetables plus proteins like poultry, fish, meat, milk, cheese and eggs. These foods offer the amino acids that are essential to building muscle. Other great sources of protein are beans, legumes and whole grains. Finally, don’t forget to include Atkins® Advantage™ bars and shakes or a box of Morning Start™ bars for a handy, protein- and fiber-rich alternative that tastes great.
4. Revamp your carb plan. Carb-loading–with its sugar highs and lows–isn’t the exercise boon the oldwives' tales say it is. Ditch empty carbs in favor of their fiber- rich cousins (found in vegetables, nuts and seeds.)
5. Drink water, not heavily sweetened, carb-loaded “sports drinks.” These drinks put you on an energy rollercoaster that bottoms out as soon as you’ve burned through your “sugar-high”–once the first burst of energy is gone, you’ll be slogging through the doldrums. Sticking to water will help you maximize your energy and endurance and optimize your performance.
6. Reconsider the conventional eating wisdom of three square meals a day. The truth is that a healthier eating plan relies on more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day. These smaller meals stabilize your metabolism and energy level, and help you avoid energy ups and downs.
7. Take steps to rejuvenate. That means taking days off so your body can repair itself. It also means additional focus on proteins. Why? Protein doesn’t just build body mass; research shows that it also improves muscle protein balance, meaning your muscles will suffer less wear and tear when you exercise.
In fact, recent studies show what many athletes are finding out themselves: People who emphasize protein-rich diets can play longer and harder–and recover from strenuous exercise more rapidly–than carb-loaders. For optimal recovery after you exercise, be sure to consume 25 grams of protein. Atkins® Advantage™ bars or shakes and Morning Start™ are handy for getting the protein you need to recover quickly. These supplements can be taken before, after or during a workout and still give great results.
To learn more about optimal Nutrition for Athletes and take other FREE new courses online, visit the Atkins Learning Center.
