What is Nutritional Therapy?
“Nutritional Therapists work with
individuals to enhance their health and
wellbeing through diet and nutrition. As
a Nutritional Therapist, I assess a
client’s current diet ,which includes
their macronutrient balance
(carbohydrates and fats), possible
vitamin deficiencies, their current
lifestyle and environmental factors,
which may be affecting their health.”
Sport has played a major role in your life, from Netball,
Gymnastics, Athletics and … ‘Competition Sport Aerobics’!
What is Sport Aerobics?
“Sport Aerobics is a mix between Gymnastics, Dance and American style
cheerleading. It is a high intensity 2 minute routine which has to execute
certain elements such as; fitness, strength and flexibility. I was in a team of
8, so we had to be perfectly synchronized whilst moving and changing
positions around the stage at 165 beats per minute – all whilst keeping a
smiling face.”
What was it like winning Silver and Bronze for Australia in the World
Championships in this Sport?
“It was honestly one of the best feelings I have ever felt. Although we are
only on stage for 2 minutes within each round, the training that goes into
that 2 minute routine is intense. We do four 3 hour training sessions and
one 5-6 hour training session leading up to the world titles. We have to
perfect every leg line, arm line and position on the stage to get us ‘routine
fit’. The feeling that the work we had done had paid off, was one of the
greatest moments of my athletic career. One I will always remember.”
In your experience, what are your views on current diets
connected to peak Athletic performance?
“Each diet will depend on the person, the training they are doing, and their
goal. There are so many ‘athlete’ diets out there which aim to get different
results. I believe that everyone’s bodies react and work differently to certain
foods and that there is not one specific diet that will work for everyone.
Aiming to reach ‘peak athletic performance’ requires a total balance of
macronutrients- carbohydrates, protein and fats. Athletes train hard,
therefore they need more carbohydrates, proteins and fats than the average
person. Each athlete will differ in their levels of macronutrients depending
on their personal goals, for example; endurance athletes would need a
higher carbohydrate diet because they require a more sustained long lasting
energy.
Having a balance of good carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats will
decrease the chance of someone having a vitamin deficiency. When you
have a vitamin deficiency you will start to experience many different
symptoms which may affect your health. This will have quite a big impact
on an athlete’s peak performance if it has not been addressed and fixed
after a period of time.”
Wholistic Nutrition By Mel - www.wholisticnutrition.org
-Interview by Samantha Jane-