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Is diet and nutrition just about calories in vs calories out? Are all calories created equally?

Calorie (Capital C) or kcal is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. If you are a chemist in a food laboratory, then a calorie is pretty easy to measure and track.

In the human body however, it’s not quite this simple. For years fitness experts have said a calorie is a calorie. Eat less than you need and you’ll lose weight.  While this statement is true in a laboratory setting, in the human body the problem is that not all calories are created equal. Quality matters. Continue reading “Is diet and nutrition just about calories in vs calories out? Are all calories created equally?”

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This fall, what are some healthy eating tips with seasonal foods?

by Tara Postnikoff

Fall is a transitional season. For runners, it is typically the start of the second race season of the year, especially for long distance runners. If fall is your race season, you may need to increase your caloric intake to match your training schedule. That said, our bodies are programmed to put on a bit of extra weight at this time of year to prepare for the colder months ahead, so be careful not to overdo it. Continue reading “This fall, what are some healthy eating tips with seasonal foods?”

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What are the Nutritional Benefits of Smoothies?

by Tara Postnikoff

A smoothie can be a nutritious meal or it can be a recipe for sugar overload. When you use the right ingredients, smoothies are a convenient way to get many nutrients in one meal, and the possibilities are endless. Unlike juicing, smoothies maintain all the fibre from the foods you use. They can be used as an on-the-go meal alternative in the morning or after your workout. Continue reading “What are the Nutritional Benefits of Smoothies?”

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Why do runners tend to crave sweet and salty foods?

by Tara Postnikoff

Food cravings can stem from emotional, mental, and physical factors. How many times have you seen a commercial where someone is happily walking down the street with friends, holding a coffee cup… and you immediately want a latte so you can feel the same? That’s an emotional response, and it’s best not to give into these frequently. Continue reading “Why do runners tend to crave sweet and salty foods?”

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Does coffee have any nutritional value?

by Tara Postnikoff

At the end of 2017, coffee grabbed the media spotlight once again as the result of an “umbrella review” about coffee consumption and health, published in the British Medical Journal. The author looked at the meta-analysis of both observational and interventional studies to look for associations between coffee consumption and positive health outcomes. The resulting media buzz was big, with headlines like this one in The Globe and Mail: “Drinking three cups of coffee per day tied to health benefits.” Continue reading “Does coffee have any nutritional value?”