The Dubai Fitness Challenge is back on its third edition! If you are wondering what this is, it’s an initiative that challenges everyone in the city to complete 30 minutes of activity a day for 30 days with the aim of transforming Dubai into the most active city in the world. Moving on, if you’re taking part in this 30 minutes 30 days challenge, don’t forget that eating right is an integral part of any fitness program. Nutrition has the largest impact on our fitness, and it is important to compliment any form of exercise or activity with consuming the right food.
Following the right diet along with your fitness routine will help reduce body fat faster, increase stamina, improve immunity and reduce the risk of illnesses. While the interesting line up of activities organized during the Dubai Fitness Challenge month will take care of your daily 30 minutes exercise, you’ll need some healthy eating strategies that will help you get the best results out of this challenge (and beyond). To make things easier for you, the knowledgeable nutritionists at India Gate have dropped by with suggestions on the best foods that will supercharge your stamina.
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Right Foods to Help You Power Through the Dubai Fitness Challenge
Nuts all day long
As one of the best on-the-go snacks, a mix of nuts and dried fruits is the most energizing, filling and nutritious choice, which is convenient to carry and does not require any preparation. Nuts are packed with heart-healthy fats, protein and disease-fighting vitamins and minerals. It’s always a good idea to carry a mix of nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts and pistachios along with dried fruits like raisins and apricots, with you at all times. They are great hunger-pang fighters and keep you filled and energized for long durations.
A healthy start
However hectic your morning schedule may be, ensure you make time for a good breakfast every morning; not only for the Dubai Fitness Challenge but for your daily wellbeing. Your body best absorbs nutrients at this time, therefore watch what you eat as this will boost your body as well as brainpower for the day. Your breakfast should be a good mix of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. If you’re a morning person and have the time for a good breakfast, an egg, along with multigrain bread with some fruits and milk makes for a healthy meal. Alternatively, if you’re in a rush a quick smoothie with fruits for vitamins, quinoa for proteins, milk for calcium and chia or flax seeds for minerals, works best.
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Snack time
Yes, snacking is not bad, in fact, we encourage you to snack at several intervals, but check what you snack on (chocolate-chip cookies are not it). Your snack must be healthy, nutritious and filling. Homemade granola bars are cost-effective and a tasty blend of nutrients. You can make some delicious granolas and energy bars using quinoa and nuts.
Lots of water
Water is life, and you’ll need it not only for the Dubai Fitness Challenge but for your overall health. Keeping your body hydrated is prime to fitness. Water keeps you energized and helps you perform better during your work out sessions. But do not restrict drinking water to your work out hours. Drinking sufficient amounts of water throughout the day is what helps and works best for your body.
Substitute your food
Instead of eliminating certain foods from your diet completely, try substituting them with healthier options. That way you need not curb your food fancies and stay healthy too. Substitute rice with quinoa or sprouted brown rice, which are tasty and healthy replacements. Moreover, you can use them as a substitute in almost every rice preparation. If milkshakes are your weakness then substitute it with a smoothie, and for those with a sweet tooth, there are a number of sweet dishes that can be prepared from oats, quinoa, chia seeds, raisins, dates and more. Therefore, don’t curb your food cravings, but substitute them with healthier options.
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Watch your food portions
Along with watching what you eat, check how much you eat too. Your food portions are what really matters. There is no harm indulging in your cravings once in a while, just make sure to adjust the quantities. Carbs are not bad, just keep the portions small and keep your diet a good mix of other nutrients.
Incorporating these little changes in your diet will keep your fitness routine on track and in check. After all, the fitness challenge is for keeps. The Dubai Fitness Challenge is on from October 18th to November 16th.
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