The true benefits of coconut water

What are the benefits of coconut water? Holistic health coach, Alyse Cocliff founder of "An Apple a Day" - gives us the low down on the actual benefits of the renowned drink!

"Working with athletes, I'm constantly looking for natural ways to help the body rehydrate and/or recover after intense training sessions and competitions. One product that I highly recommend is coconut water and here is why:

- It contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and is 100% natural.
- Coconut water is packed with essential electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) to help our bodies re-hydrate efficiently and effectively post work-out/training & even hot yoga.
- It contains bio active enzymes that help digestion and promotes healthy thyroid function.
- Coconut water is a great source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin and folates that are critical to the healthy function of the body's nervous system, muscles, vital organs and metabolism.
- Research suggest that cytokins in coconut water showed significant anti-ageing and anti-carcinogenic effects.
- It tastes DELICIOUS!

For those completing intense training, I recommend adding a pinch of Celtic sea-salt to increase the level of NATURAL sodium to match those of artificial sports-drinks.

Be careful if you purchase packaged brands of coconut water as some products are inferior to others. When clients can't get their hands on a fresh coconut, I encourage them to enjoy Nakula Organic coconut water.

For weight management, Coconut water shld be used as a booster 150ml-250ml after a tough exercise session. Coconut water is safe for children and a great addition to a breakfast smoothie, or simply straight from the source"

When and What To Eat Before Workouts?

If you are working out in the morning, noon or at night, you should always eat something. Some people think working out in the morning before you eat burns more fat, however that is not true. When you awake, your body has been on a long fast and has been burning energy all night. What your body needs are carbohydrates (energy) to help reduce the amount of glycogen you use during exercise and allow you to train longer. Also, lack of proper nutrition prior to working out puts your immune system in jeopardy.

What—Your pre workout meal should be comprised of about 250 calories. It doesn’t need to be very large but it needs to be enough to get you through your allotted workout. It should contain about 50 grams of carbohydrates and about 5-10 grams of protein.

When— A meal that is comprised of about 250 calories should be eaten between 1-2 hours prior to your workout. This will allow the food (energy) to burn throughout your workout. However, pre workout meals that are less than 150 calories can be eaten within 45 minutes of your workout. Here is a list of foods to try prior to workouts:

Chocolate milk

Yogurt

Oatmeal

Cereal

Nuts

Vegetables

Fruit

Fruit and vegetable juices

Peanut butter sandwich

Turkey sandwich

Hard boiled eggs

It is important to note that a consistent balanced diet is the absolute best way to approach daily workout nutrition. Your overall fitness will never hinge on one meal or workout. If you are eating properly, you will always have an efficient amount of fuel to burn.