Can going gluten free boost athletic performance?
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| Djokavic loses the gluten and gains some abs: The Ultra Beauty detox diet plan hows you why healthy eating begins with the right choice of carbs |
For radiant skin and a smoking hot body, we at Ultra Beauty mainly eat gluten-free grains. For exercise though, we’re often told to eat wholewheat sandwiches or pasta to get those carbs in - so how do you make the switch to gluten-free alternatives? Whether you’re intolerant to wheat or just want to perfect your skin, lose weight and increase your concentration and mood, choosing gluten-free options to wheat, barley and rye can have real benefits.
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| The science between gluten free and enhanced performance |
It seems that going gluten-free can really help athletic performance as well as natural beauty: Novak Djokovic became the top tennis player in the world after giving up gluten. Djokovic claims that going gluten-free gave him more energy, sharper focus, and an improvement in the asthma that had compromised his ability to win long matches.
For optimum performance in sports, it’s logical that if a gluten-sensitive athlete is experiencing fatigue, lack of mental focus, and other symptoms, such as stomach and joint pains, that he or she is likely to perform better gluten-free. But even if you're not gluten-sensitive, going gluten free may give you an energy jolt, since the body utilizes extra energy to digest gluten, which can detract from your performance and just generally slow you down.
Here are some good alternatives to that wholewheat sandwich:
Soba Noodles. These Asian noodles are made from buckwheat, which despite its name, is not a type of wheat and does not contain gluten but does contain a hit of vitamins and minerals. They're a great alternative to traditional wheat pasta. Check the ingredients of your favorite brand to make sure it's made from 100 percent buckwheat, since some brands also use wheat. I like Eden Organics 100% Soba Noodles.
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| Soba salad with peppers and ponzu dressing, from The Perfect Pantry. Click here for the recipe! |
Quinoa. Unusually, this grain contains both carbs plus 8 grams of protein per cooked cup, which helps preserve lean mass and build new muscle tissue after a strenuous run. Check out Rainbow Stuffed Peppers here or the delicious quinoa, pomegranate and mint salad below:
White and brown rice. Whole-grain brown rice provides slow-burning carbs and plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Low-fibre white rice is ideal the night before a long run or race for easily digested carbohydrates. Sushi is my snack of choice when out and about!
Beans. They are an all-in-one source of carbs, protein, and fiber. Beans also contain iron, which is needed to boost a runner's endurance.
Popcorn. A healthy snack that's high in carbs, popcorn is a whole grain that also supplies LOADS of antioxidants. Choose plain and lightly season it yourself with a bit of oil and herbs and spices.
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| Click here if you need a recipe! |
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