Diet trends and healthy eating

A new year has begun, bringing with it fresh beginnings by which most of us have jotted down resolutions and goals for the next 12 months.

On a clear note, my key intention is to remove old and unwanted clutter and replace it with the new – a fresh start. As I was packing and sorting out my stuff earlier this week, I came across an old fridge magnet my mother gave me a very long time ago, reading: “Diet starts tomorrow!”

Needless to say, general awareness brings the fact that most are embarking on an exercise regime and a diet to improve health and overall well-being.

On the other hand, for the majority of us runners, healthy food is a way of life.

Throughout my life, I attempted various means to lose weight but I must confess none lasted long. As I started running, however, I began experimenting with other nutritional fads, simply, to improve on my performance.

Each year marked the latest diet trend on the market.

Last week, I urged readers to listen carefully to your body and to respect its needs. However, I feel the urge to elaborate more.

May I remind you, that I am not a coach nor a nutritionist but simply another runner, sharing my views on the subject. No human being is the same and what agrees with one, might cause severe reactions with another.

Shortly after I started running, about 16 years ago, I had to undergo several blood tests whereby I was diagnosed with Beta thalassaemia trait – a blood disorder which affects the body’s ability to create red blood cells.

As we all know, red blood cells are very important as they carry a protein called haemoglobin, a crucial factor for runners, enabling the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

In cases of thalassaemia, the bone marrow which uses the iron from the food we eat is not functional, thus causing anaemia, and leaves one feeling tired, breathless and faint.

Completely hooked on the sport and not wanting to give up, I was provided with two options: blood transfusions or dietary change with a sufficient increase in my food consumption. Detesting medications, I opted for the latter.

For several years, I adhered to a diet packed with highly-nutritious food, like whole wheat grains and pasta, fruit and vegetables giving me the energy to run one marathon after another with a considerable improvement on my performance.

Although I had the occasional bouts of stomach issues, I never felt any better. Until one fine day I woke up with a terrible skin rash and unbearable itching.

I was diagnosed with various skin conditions but no medication was proving its worth.

Worst still, my stomach problems were not dithering either, as I was struggling with acute bloating, dizziness and cramping after each meal and throughout my runs.

Months passed. Out on a Sunday run, one day, I was joined by a fellow runner I had not seen for a while. Concerned by my condition, she suggested I should take a food intolerance test which I must admit, 12 years ago, I had not the faintest idea what it was about.

But results were amazing! I was intolerant to wheat, eggs and a never-ending list of food items, including various vegetable and fruit products, like tomatoes, apples and oranges to name but the most common.

So, how am going to run? What am I going to eat now?

Another door opened whereby I discovered a wider and tastier ensemble like quinoa, buckwheat and spelt to mention but a few. I included more nuts, grains and beans, fish, with an additional intake of avocadoes, and red meat.

Over the years, I found balance mainly through trial and error, by eliminating suspected foods and gradually reintroducing them. Trust me here, problem foods will definitely make themselves known through any adverse symptoms.

Altering my diet made all the difference.

Many years have gone by since my mother gave me that magnet and I must declare, the little item is not one to discard and will remain with me for quite some time.

Race applications

With registrations for next month’s races flowing in and another record entry anticipated, the organisers deem it fit to remind that the official closing date for applications is January 15.

The deadline could change for each event depending on when the race is full and no more applications can be accepted.

If you haven’t yet applied then do so now by going to www.maltamarathon.com and avoid being left out.

Enjoy your running.