High-intensity training and food

To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill. The angry man will defeat himself in battle as well as in life. When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the Way.-Unknown

Martial arts such as Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Kick-boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Karate have quite a lot in common- including burning about 840 cal’s an hour session. What does this mean for the average person? Lots and lots of sweating… and about one average sized meal. A complete meal.

Martial arts, team sports, any sports are highly advised by nearly all medical related practitioners to children, adolescents and adults.

According to the Obesity Vitality index report of 2023, more than 1.9 billion South Africans are classified as overweight or obese. This report goes on to state that almost 15% of these overweight or obese individuals are younger than 5 years old! These stats are similar to those found on the Western Cape Government website. Defined as a BMI (weight per meter height squared) as 25 or more, obesity is associated with many other health risks such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases (heart problems).

But for many people, when they start doing high-intensity or team sports- they automatically think that it includes eating more. This is not always the case. When I started Muay Thai, my appetite remained the same… and since many who read this might scoff saying that I am a dietitian, so of course I should be eating correctly. So, we interviewed two different people who also do Muay Thai (podcast episode available on Apple and Spotify 01/06/2024).

When @michelablaine started Muay Thai approximately 8 years ago, it resulted in a change in her eating habits. Away from snacking on potato chips and copious amounts of chocolates to include more fruits and vegetables.

During an interview with ex-professional fighter Juan Blaine (husband to @michelablaine) and owner of Top Primate Muay Thai gym in Woodstock, Cape Town- he explained that starting Muay Thai didn’t change his eating habits. His eating habits before starting Muay Thai was relatively well balanced and almost 15 years after beginning his journey with the martial art he still enjoys pleasures such as chocolate and the occasional drink.

It is important to remember that participating in sports recreationally is completely different to doing it competitively. Competitive athletes do require special meal planning and quantities. But if you are participating for fun, to get in shape or to relieve some stress; you don’t have to worry too much. If you are incorporating fruit, vegetables, yogurt and nuts into your diet, you have nothing to worry about.

The moral of the story:

1.    Increasing your exercise does not automatically require eating more.

2.    Exercising 20-30 minutes a day can help improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of developing illnesses.

3.    Eating healthily may be the natural go-to for many but if it’s not, feel free to contact us.

Feel free to contact us via this website, on FB or Instagram on @stepswithnutrition or pop us an email on stepswithnutrition@gmail.com.

If you are curious about Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu or Functional Fitness, reach out to Top Primate on FB/Instagram on @topprimate. Or pop them an email on Topprimatesa@gmail.com or give them a call on 084 645 9981.