84. This is what I believed about nutrition 11 Years Ago... Do I Still?
Join Dr. Gemma Sampson, a sports dietitian specialising in performance nutrition for cyclists, as she revisits her old food and nutrition beliefs from 11 years ago.
In this episode, Dr. Sampson reacts to her previous answers on a get-to-know-me Q&A, reflecting on how her approach to eating and nutrition has evolved. Discover insights into how to fuel properly for everyday nutrition, training, and performance. Dr. Sampson shares personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and practical advice, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in optimising their diet for athletic performance or overall well-being.
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Reflecting on My Sports Nutrition Journey: 11 Years of Growth and Evolving Perspectives
Eleven years ago, I embarked on an exploration of my dietary beliefs through a fun Q&A session. Today, I revisit those questions to uncover just how much my nutritional journey and philosophies have evolved. From sports dietitian expertise to personal insights, join me as I reflect on past beliefs, current practices, and the profound growth I’ve experienced in the world of nutrition.
The Evolution of My Eating Habits
When I first answered that Q&A in 2014, my typical workweek lunch was a salad packed with veggies like spinach, rocket, and tomato, sometimes paired with a wrap or canned tuna. Back then, I thought this salad hit all the right notes for a balanced diet. However, looking back, I see it lacked sufficient carbohydrates and protein, especially considering my increased physical activity from cycling and Ironman training. Today's understanding allows me to advise incorporating more substantial energy sources like quinoa or brown rice alongside that necessary protein - a shift not only for my personal meals but advice for my clients too.
Navigating Meal Preferences Over the Years
Reflecting on what I would cook for dinner a decade ago also shines a light on my evolving culinary approach. Whether it was burgers in summer or a warm Thai curry in winter, my cooking has simmered down with my growing responsibilities (unless cooking for my professional athletes on training camp).
Nonetheless, my passion for cooking remains, enriched now by the diverse cultural recipes I experimented with, expanding not just my palate but my appreciation for global cuisines.
The Significance of Adventurous Eating
Never one to subscribe to rigid meal plans, I'm excited to relaunch my cooking challenge of exploring global dishes. This principle not only reflects my approach to personal nutrition but is a valuable recommendation to anyone feeling stuck in dietary ruts. Promoting dietary diversity naturally leads to greater nutritional benefits and more exciting culinary adventures.
My Island Essentials: A Nutritional Throwback
Thinking about foods I would bring to a stranded island emphasizes how much we rely on comfort favorites. Cheese and Vegemite hold their places on my list, reminding me of the personalization inherent in nutrition. It’s a perfect lens to reminisce about my past while advocating for a balanced, varied diet today.
Under-rated Nutritious Foods
Dried beans and lentils, long praised for their affordability and nutritional value, have fallen by the wayside in my recent cooking. Although I still preach the merits of such staple foods, this reflection serves as a reminder to revisit these underrated favorites, particularly given the rising cost of living today.
Honour the Basics: Veggies Are Here to Stay
In my practice, I often witness firsthand the wonders of simple changes – like adding veggies – in achieving weight management goals. These basics remain grossly underrated yet immensely powerful, offering substantial health improvements when strategically included in our diets.
Cravings as Clues: Redefining Discipline with Compassion
One major philosophical shift in my approach is treating cravings not as hindrances but as insightful clues to nutritional gaps or mismatched timing. Instead of stigmatising indulgences, I now guide clients to explore what cravings can reveal about their eating patterns, transforming them into opportunities for adjustment and improvement.
Sustained Weight Management Through Lifestyle Balance
Maintaining stable weight requires understanding that fuelling is not just supportive of activity but fundamentally linked to lifestyle. Encouraging people to rethink how they address energy needs relative to exercise, I advocate an adaptable approach that lets nutritional intake evolve with daily demands and long-term goals.
Embracing Wisdom and Continuous Learning in Sports Nutrition
The journey from fledgling dietitian to seasoned sports nutrition expert illustrates that evolving beliefs is not just inevitable – it’s essential. I invite you too, to look back on your own nutrition journey and consider how your beliefs have matured. Whether you're a curious novice or a dedicated cyclist seeking to optimize performance, join me in continuous learning through subscribing for evidence-based nutrition insights.
