General Nutrition

Calories and Kilojoules -Why You Need Them It can get really confusing when people say calories, but in New Zealand and Australia, we say kilojoules. Quite simply, these are measurements of food energy levels. They are both one and the same. The Low-Down on Food Energy: The energy food provides is used by our bodies to achieve all levels of activity. From the extreme of running a marathon, down to the simple act of breathing. To clarify, calories and kilojoules are NOT vitamins or minerals; they have no nutritional value. They DO however, play a significant role in providing your...

The warm weather is finally with us and as thoughts turn to Christmas, holidays and relaxing with friends and family there is no better way of sharing those times than enjoying the simple pleasure of food! Here are a couple of easy to prepare but simply delicious recipes to enjoy using some of the Health Discovery super food ingredients available on our web site. These recipes are both Gluten Free, loaded with goodness and contain no white sugar or refined ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment with some of your recipes that would traditionally contain wheat flour, white sugar or...

Are Supplements Necessary?Sports nutrition supplements should never take the place of good-quality foods that provide a range of nutrients. Wholefoods and their nutrients work synergistically within the body to provide a number of benefits that out-weigh those of supplements. E.g. a whey protein shake provides a good source of protein whereas lean beef provides a good source of protein, iron, zinc and Vitamin B12.For some athletes, supplements can complement a good-quality diet to help them achieve their body composition or performance goals, however they are more like ‘the icing on the cake’ or even the cherry on the very top!Athletes,...

Healthy fats have gained a huge following over recent years and for good reason! Fats should be an integral part of our diet as they serve a range of functions within the body such as: Producing hormones Effective absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D and K Producing healthy cell membranes Effective absorption of fat-soluble antioxidants such as lycopene (found in tomatoes) and beta-carotene (found in carrots) Fats also enable healthy communication around our bodies by keeping our cell membranes lovely and flexible. Nutritious fats are also known to have a positive effect on glowing skin, hair and nails while...

Traditionally many generations have grown up eating a high-carbohydrate breakfast of jam or marmalade on toast followed by a salad sandwich for lunch and only thinking about including a good quality source of protein at dinner time such as lamb, beef, chicken or fish. However, it’s now well known that protein has many benefits. Protein is a major macronutrient needed by the body as it forms body proteins that are needed to build muscle cells, cell membranes as well as act as enzymes and transport vehicles within the body. As protein can’t be stored in the body, the amount we...

The window of opportunity is the time immediately following exercise when your body is primed to digest and utilise key nutrients to support an efficient recovery. Ensuring an optimal recovery involves refuelling, repairing and rehydrating, all of which needs to be considered when planning recovery foods and their timing. The major nutrients involved in the recovery process are carbohydrates and protein along with adequate fluid: Carbohydrates are our primary fuel source and many studies have found performance –enhancing benefits with an adequate carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates are stored in our bodies as something called glycogen and we have enough stored glycogen...