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Live Well

When it comes to losing weight and strengthening the body, nutrition is just as important as exercise, according to Chad Collins.
 
As a registered dietician and certified diabetes educator, Chad believes it is essential to fill the body with the right foods to ensure peak physical performance, and shun foods that will slow the body down.
 
However, Chad stresses the type of results one will achieve from a type of exercise will vary, depending on a number of personal factors, including body type, weight, sex, height and the person’s goals.
 
“First of all, it’s a very personal thing, and different people will get different results from exercise, based on what they want to achieve, whether it’s lose weight, improve flexibility or increase stamina,” Chad says. “Basically though, you should be eating frequently, combining the right types of foods and look at lowering the glycemic index of your food, which means choosing foods that are digested slowly and gradually release sugar into the bloodstream.”
 
Chad recommends high-fibre foods and complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain breads, cereals and pastas; lean protein, such as fish and lean cuts of chicken and pork; as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables, for their nutrients, vitamins and fibre. Proper hydration is also essential. He says people who want to get the most benefits from exercise should avoid high fat, high sugar and high salt foods.
 
“Steer clear of foods that are high in calories, but low in nutritional value, such as most takeouts, chips, chocolate, processed foods and snack foods. These foods take a lot to fill you up, but are extremely high in calories,” Chad says.
 
“And you’ll find that with most exercises, the calories you burn don’t make up for eating food like this, so you’re not actually losing weight. You won’t be able to perform most exercises well if you’re eating bad foods.”