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      I Tried Bloat-Reducing Leggings–Here Are My Thoughts

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      If there’s one thing you must know about me it’s that I love pizza. My gut, on the other hand, does not. Case in point: I usually get a stomach ache and continue to feel bloated even the next day when I have a slice or two. While I haven’t always struggled with bloating, it’s become more common as I’ve gotten older and something I’m self-conscious about. So when I came across Emma Lou The Label, an athleisure brand with “bloat-reducing” leggings, I had to give them a try. 
      As a personal trainer and CEO & founder of Emma Lou The Label, Emma Vollrath heard so many of her clients struggle with lower belly bloat and wanted to create a product that wasn’t a pill or an uncomfortable waist trainer to help them. Enter the Glow Band. The Glow Band is an extra layer of thermoplastic fabric added to the waistband of the leggings that Vollrath created to help target water weight, reduce bloat, and draw out toxins. How is this possible, you ask? Read on to learn about their reasoning behind the Glow Band leggings, my experience trying them out, and whether or not they really work.   

      How it works
      Remember those plastic-looking sweatsuits that were popular in the ’80s? Or that scene in Silver Linings Playbook where Bradley Cooper is wearing a trash bag while he runs? Well, the Glow Band itself is kind of the same idea. The recycled thermoplastic is made of a heat-trapping fabric that can aid in bloat reduction. Think of it like your own personal sauna for just your lower stomach. “When you heat trap a certain area—in this case, the lower stomach—you slowly and safely increase your body temperature, which helps reduce water weight and bloating due to increased sweat and regulation,” Vollrath explained. The Glow Band works by targeting water retention, as well as assisting the body in drawing out toxins (by creating sweat). 

      My experience
      After looking through the variety of options on the site, I selected the Toby Set (because your girl loves neutrals), and eagerly awaited its arrival. Once I had the pieces in hand, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the fabric and the stitching. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a smaller brand, but the pieces are on par with—if not better than—some of my other high-end workout clothes. 
      I first wore the bike shorts while working from home. I was curious if I would notice any effects from the Glow Band if I wasn’t working out, and I was shocked when I realized my lower stomach felt much warmer than the rest of my body just sitting at my desk. The next time I wore the bike shorts was during a morning HIIT workout. I don’t usually sweat, but that wasn’t the case while I sported the Toby Sculpt & Sweat Shorts. After I finished my workout, I felt much hotter than usual and my lower stomach underneath the Glow Band was dripping in sweat, so they definitely work to get heat moving in the area. 
      As for whether or not they help beat bloat? Since I usually work out in the morning (which is when I’m the least bloated), it’s hard to say if the Glow Band actually helped or not, but I did experience more long-term effects of feeling tighter in my waist and helped me sweat more (can be beneficial in supporting the lymphatic system to help to detoxify the body).

      The final verdict
      These leggings are obviously not the answer to my dairy and gluten intolerance (and they’re not claiming to be), but I do think they’re a great option for helping reduce water retention. Of course, they are not a magical cure for digestive issues (there are many potential causes of bloat), but the Glow Band does work in making you sweat. In other words, your body sweating is what is providing the benefits of reduction in water retention and getting rid of toxins. These leggings can assist in creating sweat in your stomach area, but you can also reap the benefits of getting sweaty from a hot yoga class, sauna, steam shower, etc. I like having this option as a little added bonus for any type of workout or even while doing chores.
      These have also become my go-to leggings during my period when I’m feeling a little puffy or after a night out and I’ve had one too many glasses of Sauv Blanc (no scientific data to back this up, but I’ve noticed they help me feel less puffy and uncomfortably bloated when I typically would). Bloat-reducing benefits aside, these leggings are also comfortable and make me feel good, so you can find me opting for them from my next grocery store run to lounging at home. IMO, they’re not magical leggings that are going to completely get rid of all bloat forever, and you can reap the benefits they claim by working up any kind of sweat in other ways. But if you love feeling like you’re adding a little extra support to your body in an effortless way like I do, they’re very much worth a try.

      Workout Clothes So Good, You’ll Want To Wear Them 24/7 More

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      This Powerful Joint-Friendly Lower Body Workout Tones Every Inch

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      A resistance band is like having a mini-gym — you can use it to work your whole body (or do a lower body workout, like this one) and then conveniently stash it in your sock drawer when not in use.

      It’s also a low-impact alternative to weights for getting your strength back after an exercise hiatus (like, welcoming a beautiful bundle of sleep deprivation into your life. Love ‘em, but being a new mom is hella challenging!).The continuous tension in the band makes it easier to control your movements in both the lifting and lowering phases of the exercise, reducing your risk for injury. Training with a band also allows you to get hyper-specific with the muscles you target — which is why resistance bands are such a favourite of Pilates instructors and physios for strengthening the smaller muscles that often get neglected in the big, impressive-looking lifts that make it to the ‘gram.

      HOW TO DO IT: This lower body workout by trainer Alicia Krige is designed as a circuit. Starting with exercise one, do all reps as indicated, rest, then move on to the next exercise. Once you’ve done all the exercises, take a longer rest and then start again at the beginning for another round. Do 4 rounds in total.

      You’ll need: A resistance band.

      Mycore Hevia Resistance Band

      These bands are slip-proof and won’t snag on your clothes. They come in different strengths, from light to heavy resistance.

      Reebok Lux Strappy Sports Bra

      Angled side seams bring stability while the straps are adjustable for our ever-changing bodies.

      Reebok Lux High-Waisted Leggings

      A high-rise, thick waistband hugs your waist and stays in place through burpees and core moves.

      The Joint-Friendly Lower Body Workout

      Standing lateral lifts

      12 reps per side

      Stand tall, feet hip-width apart, band around your legs a few centimetres above the knees. Keeping your torso upright and forward facing, raise your right leg straight out to the right. Lower to start. That’s one rep. Do all, then switch legs.

      Bodyweight squat

      12 reps

      Stand tall, feet slightly wider than shoulder-width. Keeping your chest upright, sit your hips back, like you’re sitting in a chair. Squeeze your bum to return to start. That’s one rep.

      Donkey kickbacks

      12 reps per side

      Start on all fours — hands in line with shoulders, knees and hips bent 90 degrees and band around your thighs. Pushing through your hands, lift one leg behind you, keeping your knee bent and foot flexed. When you feel your bum squeeze on that side, lower to start. That’s one rep. Do all, then switch legs.

      Curtsey squats

      15 reps per side, alternating

      Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, band around your thighs. Keeping your chest upright, step your right leg back, crossing behind your left leg and lower so your knees are at 90 degrees. Push back to start, then repeat on the other side. That’s one rep.

      Single-leg resistance deadlift

      15 reps per leg

      Stand tall with feet staggered, band looped securely under the front foot, the other part in both hands. Hinge forward at the waist, with a slight bend in your knees. This is your start position. Now, squeeze your bum to stand, keeping your back flat. Lower to start. That’s one rep.

      Bicycle crunch

      12 reps per side, alternating

      Lie on your back, band around your legs above the knee, hands behind your head and elbows wide. Raise your legs, knees bent and shins parallel to the floor. Keeping your lower back glued to the floor, extend left leg and twist left elbow to right knee. Reverse the move back to start, then repeat on the other side. That’s one.

      Clam Shells

      12 reps per side

      Lie on your side, legs stacked, knees bent, band around your thighs and upper body propped up on your elbow. Keeping your upper body still, raise your top knee, keeping your feet together. Return to start. That’s one rep.

      Downward-Facing Dog straight-legged kickbacks

      Do 12 reps per leg

      Start in Downward-Facing Dog, back straight, hands and feet flat on the floor (use a block or folded towel under heels if necessary), band around your legs, above the knee. Keeping hips square, raise your right leg straight out behind you. Lower to start. That’s one rep.

      Core crunches

      Do 20 reps

      Lie on your back, band around your shins, hands behind your head with elbows wide and legs raised with knees bent and shins parallel to the floor. Keeping your lower back glued to the floor, squeeze your abs to raise your head andshoulders. Lower back to start. That’s one rep.

      Single-leg bridge

      12 reps per leg

      Lie on your back, legs bent, feet flat on the floor, arms at your sides, band around your legs above the knee. Raise one leg straight up, foot flexed. Squeeze your bum, then lift your hips so your body forms a straight line from shoulders to hips. Lower back to start. That’s one rep. More

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      Train Brilliantly With The Garmin Forerunner® 265 GPS Running Smartwatch

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      Light on the wrist, not on features.

      The Forerunner® 265 smartwatches are the perfect fit for any runner who wants to train harder and PR on race day. The race widget will make sure you’re race-ready with training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts and completion time predictions based on course details, weather and performance.

      Get a training readiness score based on your sleep quality, recovery, training load and more, so you can determine whether it’s a good day to go hard — or take it easy. Wrist-based running dynamics measure cadence, stride length, ground contact time and more. No accessory required.

      Get insight into overall effort with training status — which uses indicators such as HRV status, recent exercise history and performance — and know whether training is productive, peaking or strained. Access free adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach or through the race widget, or you can create your own custom workouts through the Garmin Connect™ app.

      [embedded content]

      READ MORE: The Top South African Road Running Events To Look Out For In 2023

      Run Connected

      Safety and tracking features make it easy to share your location with chosen contacts2. Jam out from your watch. Listen to playlists from Spotify®, Deezer and Amazon Music (premium service required) with your wireless headphones (sold separately). Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ™ technology ensures you get the best positioning accuracy in any environment while also optimizing the device’s battery life.

      3 Key features WH loves about the Forerunner® 265

      Daily suggested workouts – it adapts to match your performance and recovery.

      Race widget – From training tips to weather reports, this watch suggests everything you need to get race-ready.

      Training readiness – You can determine whether it’s a good day to go hard — or take it easy.

      Plus, this watch can track and log your menstrual cycle or pregnancy to get exercise and nutrition education.

      Light, bright and made for any distance. Get the Garmin Forerunner® 265 GPS Running Smartwatch here. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      This Celeb-Favorite Activewear Brand Is Having Its Biggest Sale of the Year

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      ICYMI, the sale of all sales that fashion and wellness stans alike save up for, have circled on their calendars, and count down to like it’s Christmas is going on now. Enter: Alo Yoga’s anniversary celebration, their biggest sale of the year.
      Its second annual Aloversary Sale, a five-day bash of all-things Alo, includes a site-wide discount of 30% off all new clothing, accessories, beauty, and equipment products and deeper discounts of up to 70% off previously marked-down styles.
      If you’re asking (for a friend, of course), “How many Alo Yoga leggings is too many?” there’s no such thing. Just ask Hailey and Kendall, AKA celebs who’ve been seen strolling the streets donning the brand’s coveted soft and contouring tights. But, of course, that’s not all Alo Yoga has to offer. From must-have sports bras to onesies to their cult-favorite yoga mats, keep scrolling to shop and snag their newest arrivals and celebrity faves before the sale ends on May 5.
       

      Tops

      Bottoms

      Dresses and Onesies

      Accessories

      Workout Clothes So Good, You’ll Want To Wear Them 24/7 More

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      Boost Your Morning Routine With This Easy 15-Minute Yoga Flow

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      If you ask me, there’s no better way to start the day than with a morning yoga routine. Whether I need to ground down or feel more energized, the right flow of poses always helps me tune into my breath and body.

      Yoga can be an especially powerful practice for anyone dealing with anxiety and depression — and I find that turning to yoga before busy or stressful days goes a long way toward feeling more balanced and centred.

      Plus, mind-body therapies like yoga have been shown to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, according to research published in Plos One.

      And, yes, in case you’re wondering, a morning yoga routine also challenges your body (chair pose is no joke!), so you can move through your day feeling mentally and physically strong — and more flexible. It starts out with some warm-up poses, moves through a vinyasa sequence that you’ll repeat on each side, and then winds down.

      Time: 15 minutes

      Equipment needed: Yoga mat

      Instructions: Flow from pose to pose listed below, holding and breathing as noted. After completing poses five through 12 on the right side, repeat on the left before moving on. Make this practice about moving intuitively. If you want to feel serene throughout the day, keep your movement slow and gentle. If you want to feel energized, build up to a quicker, more heated pace as you progress. The beauty of yoga is that it can be whatever you need it to be!

      Cat-Cow

      How to: Start on all fours with hands directly under shoulders and knees under hips. Inhale and arch spine so belly sinks down while face and tailbone lift upwards. (This is cow pose.) Then, exhale and push into hands and knees to hollow belly, round spine, and tuck chin towards chest. (This is cat pose.) Repeat for five slow breaths, or about one minute.

      Feel the pose: Close your eyes and try to make your movements more dramatic with each round. Feel the collarbones spread wide in cow pose, and the back of the neck lengthen in cat pose. This one is all about finding a nice rhythm for your spine!

      Downward-Facing Dog

      How to: Start in a plank position. Lift hips up and back, sinking heels toward floor, until body forms an upside down “V” shape. Press shoulders away from ears and relax neck. Spread fingers wide on mat, with palms pressed against the floor. Hold for five slow breaths.

      Feel the pose: Breathe loudly through your nose to tune into yourself and deepen the posture.

      READ MORE: 10 Insanely Challenging Yoga Poses That Will Build Serious Strength

      Side Bends

      How to: Start standing with feet hip-distance apart and parallel, arms extended up overhead with hands interlaced. Inhale and lean up and over from waist to left side. Hold for a few breaths, then push through feet to return to standing and repeat on other side. Perform three rounds on each side.

      Feel the pose: As you create space and length in the sides of the body, feel your ribs separating away from your waist.

      Chair Pose

      How to: Start standing with feet together and arms at sides. At the same time, raise hands overhead, palms facing in, until biceps are by ears while bending knees and sitting back as if lowering into a chair. Hold for five breaths.

      Feel the pose: Challenge yourself and build heat in the body by staying here a little longer than you want to. Find ease in the neck as you breathe deep and feel energy extending out from your fingertips.

      Interlaced Forward Fold

      This pose begins your vinyasa sequence. Flow from this pose through pose number 12 (lizard pose) on the right side, then repeat on the left side.

      How to: Start standing with feet hip-distance apart and hands interlaced behind back, arms straight. Lift fists back away from body, gaze toward ceiling, spread collarbones wide, and then hinge at hips to fold torso over legs and stretch arms overhead. Relax head down and shift weight towards balls of feet. Hold for three long breaths, then release and return to standing.

      Feel the pose: Allow your head and neck to hang heavy and feel your spine decompress.

      Low Lunge Twist

      How to: Start in a low lunge with right foot forward between hands and left leg extended straight back. Draw right hand straight up overhead toward ceiling and rotate torso from waist to gaze up at it. Hold for three breaths.

      Feel the pose: Twist from your belly and upper back while keeping your legs and core strong. Engage your back leg and lift up out of hand on the floor.

      Warrior II

      How to: Start with legs almost as wide as mat, right foot forward, toes facing straight ahead, left foot back, outside of foot parallel to back of mat (right heel lined up with middle of left inner arch), torse facing left side, and arms at sides. Keep left leg straight while deeply bending right knee until thigh is parallel to mat, then extend arms out to the sides at shoulder height. Gaze should be over front fingers. Hold for three to five breaths.

      Feel the pose: Stretch through front and back fingertips equally and keep shoulders over hips.

      Wide Forward Fold

      How to: Start standing with feet wider than shoulders and parallel. Hinge at hips to bring torso in front of thighs, allowing head to relax and shifting weight toward balls of feet to open up backs of legs. Hold for three to five breaths, then return to standing.

      Feel the pose: This pose invites us to literally face inward. Let it draw you into a space of calm introspection as it energizes the body and increases blood flow to the brain.

      Fallen Triangle

      How to: Start in high plank. Then, pull right knee toward chest and slide right foot outside of left hand until both legs are extended to straight (entire left foot and outside of right foot are both on the floor). Draw left hand up toward ceiling and rotate torso to face extended leg. Hold for five breaths, then reverse the movement to return to plank position.

      Feel the pose: Lift hips high and raise gaze to look at top hand.

      READ MORE: Banesa Tseki On How Yoga Gave Her A New Lease On Life

      Low Plank

      How to: Start in a high plank position. Keep elbows in close to sides, bend arms, and lower entire body as one unit on an exhale, stopping when biceps are parallel to mat. As you start to inhale, immediately flow to the next pose.

      Up Dog

      How to: From a low plank position, untuck toes, but keep thighs and shins off the floor. Push through palms to straighten arms and lift upper body until perpendicular to mat. Hold for one breath.

      Lizard Pose

      How to: Start in a low lunge with right foot outside right hand and left leg extended straight back. Keep spine long and core engaged, then slowly lower onto forearms. Hold for five to eight deep breaths, allowing hips to relax and open with each exhale. Push up through hands to return to low lunge. Then, return to pose number five (interlaced forward fold) and repeat this sequence on the left side.

      Feel the pose: To modify, lower back knee to the ground.

      Airplane

      How to: Start lying facedown with legs straight and arms at sides, palms facing down. Inhale, draw shoulders back and down, and lift chest, arms, and legs up as high as comfortable, keeping neck long. Exhale, then lower back down with control. Repeat for five to eight breaths.

      Feel the pose: Reach fingertips back to open up chest and heart.

      Bridge

      How to: Start lying on back with arms at sides and legs bent, feet flat on the floor. Squeeze glutes and lift hips into air. Pull shoulder blades together and bring hands to clasp under body on mat. Hold for three to five breaths, then repeat three times.

      Feel the pose: Think about stretching knees over toes and energetically pulling heels toward glutes to create length in body at top of bridge.

      Happy Baby

      How to: Start lying on back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and arms at sides. Draw knees toward chest outside of ribs with legs bent and soles facing ceiling. Bring arms inside of legs and grab big toes with first two fingers and thumb of same hand. Gently pull knees toward floor. Hold for five to eight breaths.

      Feel the pose: Enjoy this juicy position as you start to slow down your heart rate and draw your practice to a close.

      Savasana

      How to: Start lying on back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, left hand on heart, and right hand on stomach. Extend legs and arms to straight on floor. Relax for one to two minutes.

      Feel the pose: Let the body and mind restore after your hard work!

      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com  More

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      8 Sneaky Ways To Get More Movement In Your Day

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      If you’re mostly sedentary, know that you’re not alone. Worldwide, rates of physical inactivity are skyrocketing, despite the rise of wellness and fitness trends. Need to get more movement in your day? Welcome to the club.

      Globally, we’re moving less

      A new policy toolkit, published by The Global Wellness Institute, shows that around the world, physical inactivity is on the rise. Per the press release, “The GWI’s new Wellness Policy Research Series was born out of a profound problem: The hyper-commercial wellness and fitness market cannot solve our skyrocketing health crises or bring exercise to all.” GWI research finds that only about one-third of the world’s population participates in recreational/leisure physical activities on a regular basis. The reason? Lack of time is cited, along with access and money. In a stunning finding, the GWI found that only 3-4% of the world’s population taps into the commercial fitness industry.

      Getting more movement in your day is essential

      But if your gym is too far away or you’re hard-up to pay for boutique gyms, there are other clever ways to get more movement in your day. Adding more movement is essential. Per the GWI, “Physical inactivity is now the fourth leading cause of death and the pandemic only increased our sedentary behaviour. The WHO estimates that physical inactivity will cause 500 million new cases of preventable diseases, and $300 billion in treatment costs, from 2020-2030, if things do not change.” Plus, the University of South Australia researchers found that exercise is 1.5 times better at helping depression than meditation and therapy.  Adding more movement is also a clever way of losing weight, since the more you move, the more calories you’d burn.

      In SA, we’re blessed with parks, beaches and tons of natural resources begging us to get outside and enjoy them. But you don’t always need to go far to move more. We’ve picked the brains of trainer Kirsten Johnson, who regularly advocates for adding more movement, for tips.

      Go for walks

      It’s age-old advice that stands the test of time. You just gotta walk more. “Going for a 20-minute walk first thing in the morning can start your day off right while avoiding all hurdles,” says Johnson. You don’t even need a sports bra. “Keep your pj’s on, pop on shoes and a hoodie and get out the door,” she adds.

      Park further away

      Most of us are prone to parking as close to the entrance as possible, but here’s an ace way to get more steps in. “Simply parking further from the shop you’re heading into will make you walk a few extra hundred steps every time you do it,” says Johnson.

      Time your movement

      Per the University of Michigan, you should move for three minutes every 30 to 60 minutes. That means getting up and walking around, grabbing a coffee, or anything that keeps you going for three minutes. Plus, those three minutes help boost your energy levels, so you’re better at the next task. Set up a timer on your phone or computer if you’re struggling.

      Leverage waiting time

      “There are tons of times during the day we spend waiting. While the kettle boils, food in the microwave, brushing teeth – use the time to do something small, it all adds up,” says Johnson. Instead of checking your phone, Johnson suggests slow squats, calf raises and arm circles. “All of this is movement, which might seem small, but they add up!” she says.

      Be less lazy

      “My mom has always been the person who will get up and fetch things for others, often upstairs or in another room,” says Johnson. “When I asked her about it she said it’s about serving others and in return you serve yourself with more movement. Truly inspiring, and I carry this mentality throughout my day. No movement is gone unrecognised by your body.”

      Try standing

      When you’re standing, you’re more likely to move your body. Plus, working while standing improves executive function, or the ability to break down tasks, per the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

      Show up for yourself

      Johnson’s workout app, FBK, costs just R85 and uses only your own body weight. Carve out time in your day to move, she says. “Plan movement into your routine as a non-negotiable. This doesn’t mean one hour in the gym. Eliminate hurdles; workout at home,” Johnson says.

      Pick movement dates

      “I think this idea has become more popular over the last few years but it’s worth mentioning. Meeting a friend over a cup of coffee does not have to be a static venture,” says Johnson. “Meet for a walk with coffee, catch up on each other’s lives and get your movement in. Win-win.” More

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      Lift Your Look With Puma Fit Collection 

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      This winter we have the perfect solution to staying active. For those looking for inspiration, the new PUMA FIT COLLECTION inspires you to get active and look good while you’re at it. 

      Take your workout to the next level with PUMA FIT, a training collection that fuses performance and style. Flattering, form-fitting designs feature bold branding and innovative fabrics, making them instant favourites for the gym and day-to-day social scenes too. 

      PWRFRAME TR 2 Training Shoes

      Start every workout the right way—with the ultimate foundation. PWRFrame TR 2 is a high-performance training shoe that features a 3D midsole frame system engineered for forefoot support during explosive movements. This targeted technology helps keep you steady through every interval and a wide range of routines. Prepare to own your session in this function-packed style.  

      SUPPORT: PWRFrame: Engineered 3D midsole frame system provides enhanced support and stability.   

      CUSHIONING: PROFoam: High-rebound EVA provides cushioning and responsiveness.  

      SUPPORT: PWRTAPE: Targeted reinforcement for upper support and durability.

      GRIP: PUMAGRIP: Durable rubber compound provides multi-surface traction.  

      Feeling energetic? Try the Beginners 5K Running Training Plan

      PUMA Fit Medium Support Bra  

      Designed for moderate-intensity workouts, the crisscross-back PUMA FIT Medium Support Bra is a bold two-tone style that will dial up any fitness routine. Smoothing EVERSCULPT fabric with UltraForm ensures a flattering finish, while moisture-wicking fabric keeps sweat in check. Made using at least 70% recycled material, cool just got more conscious.   

      DRY: Highly functional dryCELL materials draw sweat away from your skin and help keep you dry and comfortable during exercise​. 

      FOREVER BETTER: Made with at least 70% recycled materials as a step toward a better future. 

      SUPPORT: Medium support for moderate-intensity activity.  

      FIT: EVERSCULPT fabric with UltraForm ensures a smooth, supportive, and body-contouring fit. 

      PUMA Fit Fashion Woven Flow Short  

      Featuring contrasting cutlines inspired by our iconic Formstrip, the PUMA FIT Fashion Woven Flow Short is a duotone two-in-one design with style to spare. A high waist is both fashion forward and flattering, while the fitted underlayer lets you move with confidence. Moisture-wicking technology keeps sweat at bay and recycled material means you can go hard while going easy on the environment. A premium heat transfer badge celebrating the brand’s 75th anniversary completes this elevated essential. 

      DRY: Highly functional dryCELL materials draw sweat away from your skin and help keep you dry and comfortable during exercise​. 

      FOREVER BETTER: Made with at least 30% recycled materials as a step toward a better future. 

      COMFORT: Formstrip-inspired ergonomic cutlines for enhanced comfort and freedom of movement.

      FIT: Flattering high waist for extra coverage and elastic waistband for a secure, comfortable fit. 

      Click HERE to get the look, as worn by fitness icon, Pamela Reif and Takkies More

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      Race Fuel: Exactly What You Should Eat And Drink For A Better Race

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      When it comes to race fuel, it’s easy to think just your training should take you over the finish line. But for endurance feats, you need a little food to give your tank more power.

      Raeesa Solwa Mehtar, a biokineticist and running coach, has run multiple marathons, ultra-marathons and several half marathons. Here’s her advice on race fuel; what to eat and drink during the race — plus, what to avoid.

      “Personally, I’d say ditch the gels,” says Raeesa. “Do you feel that energy gels make you feel nauseous, sick or give you stomach issues? I know I do. I’ve run four marathons (all under four hours), one ultra (under six hours) and a couple half marathons and did not use any form of energy gels.” Instead, Raeesa fuels up on real food. “Whole food solubles can easily provide the nutrition and electrolytes needed for long-distance endurance efforts,” she says. Here are her go-to strategies for race fuel that’ll get you across the finish line feeling strong. 

      1. Drink lots of water leading up to race day.

      Your body needs to be thoroughly hydrated on the day of the race. “I usually have small sips of water during the race,” says Raeesa. Per experts, you should drink about two cups of water two hours before your run, then stay hydrated during the run, too. Go with your sweat as an indicator. Sweat is water loss from the body that needs to be replaced, so keep hydrating along with the rate at which you sweat.

      2. Eat a good race-day brekkie.

      “On the morning of the race, I have the same type of meal that I would normally have for breakfast, which is a smoothie,” says Raeesa. “You need to practise your pre-race meal strategy during training. The stomach needs to be trained to handle food during a long run.”

      One Co Ready-To-Drink Smoothie Box

      This selection of healthy, ready-to-go smoothies offers three different flavours in a compact bottle that you can stash in your bike kit or have before and after the race to fuel up.

      3. Replace your body’s electrolytes. 

      After the first 10 kilometres in a race, you need to start replacing electrolytes. “I sip on any form of energy drink, but you could also opt for coconut water, which will provide natural energy, potassium and magnesium,” says Raeesa. Electrolytes could also come from small amounts of food containing salt and sugars, like nuts.

      4. Go bananas!

      Bananas are one of the best energy sources you can have as a runner. They’re a good source of carbs and help prevent cramps. Supporters usually hand out bananas on the side of the road, so grab one.

      5. Pack some padkos.

      “Dates are easy to chew and are higher in sugar and carbs compared to other dried fruit – they’re one of my favourite pre-race snacks,” says Raeesa. “Though certainly not an all-natural, real food, gummy bears or jelly beans contain fast-digesting simple sugars, which will reach the bloodstream quickly, giving you a boost when you need it. Honey may just be nature’s version of a sports gel.”

      You can also make little oat balls as snacks and carry them for homemade, healthy fuel.

      Tropical Mix Snacking Bundle

      Combine these into a delish snack mix or pick and choose the ones you’d like to much on.

      Nanuki Boom Bar Seismic Crunch

      This bar, loaded with sunflower seeds and healthy cornflakes, makes for great race fuel.

      OhMega Macadamia Butter

      Choc-o-block with micronutrients and healthy fats, this delicious snack will keep you going for longer.

      Check out Raeesa’s running woman’s workout for killer abs:

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      6. Don’t skip the taters.

      A baked potato wedges stand during a marathon or ultra race is like approaching an all-you-can-eat candy stand in the running world. They’re not the easiest things to carry (ew…mashed potato pocket!) but if you come across a stand along the road, grab some munchies for a hit of minerals and sustained energy.

      7. No surprises. 

      Be sure to test these new foods on training runs instead of during a race – just in case your stomach doesn’t react well to them while exercising (#totesawks). If gels do work for you, then, by all means, use them properly: drink enough water, train with gels months before, try different brands to see what suits you best and wash them down with water. More