It’s taken me 6 attempts at ironman distance *racing*, but i think that i have finally figured out what works for me. (Nausea has always been my nemesis during longer events, and i’ve tried all sorts of foods and supplements to fuel/combat it.) My solution, of course, may not work for you, but FWIW… I discovered after several years of trial and error that the only way to get through a long day of exercise was to stay away from seriously solid foods (mainly, energy bars in any form), and simple sugars as much as possible. I found that Hammer Gel products (no; i only WISH i were sponsored by them; i should be part owner of the company for all the revenue i’ve provided them these past few years!)
Hammer Gel, and their Sustained Energy drink mix (which depending on the strength you mix it provides mostly carbs, but a bit of protein as well, and is very mild in taste; you can actually ‘flavor’ it with a splash of your choice of Hammer Gel), and Endurolyte capsules (which saved me during Ultramax last year when it was in the 90′s, and down at the Buffalo Springs Half in Lubbock Texas in June) work perfectly. I had quite a long conversation with Steve Born, the founder of the company, at the Ultramax expo, who informed me that nausea and bloating during a long event or a long training session was often caused by the body’s inability to process the simple carbohydrates found in most energy gels and drinks.
In addition, the burst of energy you get from ingesting simple carbs is followed by real energy low. I know i sound like a commercial for Hammer Gel, but i can really tell the difference between their products (complex carbs) and say, GU or Clif shot, in terms of the ‘even burn’ of energy. I never really felt like i was out of gas during my last Ultramax, and didn’t have the nausea that i had in and after previous races (not to mention the medical tent experiences!). I had stashed my back up cans of ginger ale in my special needs bags and transition bags, but didn’t need them at all this go round. The only other thing i ate during the event was a banana midway through the run.
Many 1/2 IMs and IM CDA last June. I always got sick in 1/2 IMs on the run…every time. I determined that part of my trouble was not consuming enough calories on the bike. I liked some of the info I got off GordoWorld..it helped me set up my system for IM. Pre race: Ensure Vanilla at 2 and then 4am. Very little to no solids on race day. I consumed 4 24 oz bottles of Cytomax with protein powder (5:1) and enduralytes mixed in. 600 calories per bottle. It was hot as hell out there so I washed this down with lots of water. 2 bottles on the bike and 2 bottles at bike special needs that I put into a soft thermos bag (this is a MUST) to keep from going bad in the heat. I also consumed about 400 GU calories (Vanilla).
I am raising three sons (2, 8, 11) and my oldest just led us all into the realm of vegetarianism. It’s something I’ve thought about for a long time, and when he informed me that he wanted to be a vegetarian, that was the thing that tipped us into it. So, my concern is meeting the complete nutritional needs of three growing boys. I would like references on solidly based nutrition and vegetarianism. I’m giving them simple multivitamins, anything else I should be doing? How about reading material?
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Then you are one of the better ones. I left one of the best Vets a Guy w/ a kennel full of hunting dogs could ever ask for in NJ…Dr. Helen Campbell DVM. She had a full understanding of the type of Dog I had. They were’nt Lap dogs they weren’t House pets!! they were hunting dogs, and Competition dogs. That Doesn’t mean that I loved my dogs any more or less than a pet owner or a man w/ 1 hunting companion. She would take the time to educate me rather than charge the heck out of me for useless information. She never held it against me that I vaccinate my own dogs.
Now add to that the fact people with FM have been shown in several studies to absorb and metabolize nutrients inefficiently. Consider that other studies have shown that people who have suffered from malnutrition at any time in their lives retain an abnormally high need for certain nutrients ever after. (The first study of this sort dealt with concentration camp survivors, who required massive doses of B vitamins for the rest of their lives.) It all points to the need of many, if not all, people — whether or not they have FM — to supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals that are present in insufficient quantities in the food they eat.
Eliminate Negative Influences: Getting away for those negative influences in your life is a huge part of getting lean. This bad influence could be anyone, brother, husband, wife, best friends, etc. I am not saying that you should completely block them out of your life, but resist the negative statements, comments or actions that they may have towards your fitness goals. If your particular negative influence is not a loved one, try to eliminate hanging around them all together, at least for the first few months of starting this program. Remember, a person that does not care about getting lean and physically fit, is prone to drag others down with them. Do not let anyone, or anything sideline you. Stay focused on your goals!
The following publications may be helpful for occupational therapists teaching life skills classes or food preparation. The bulletin features publications by health professionals. The books and pamphlets are self-published by non-profit organizations or by small printing companies. How to Teach Nutrition to Kids by Connie Evers, RD For Teachers, Public Health Nutritionists The Food Dudes by Surrey, B.C. School District Teacher and Nutritionist For Teachers, Public Health Nutritionists Two Food Safety Publications from Michigan State University Extension by Angela Fraser, PhD.
