Staying Fueled, Focused and Motivated During Lockdown By Sponsored Track Cyclist Mandy Marquardt

Staying Fueled, Focused and Motivated During Lockdown By Sponsored Track Cyclist Mandy Marquardt

This year we have all faced challenges, controlling what I can and keeping a routine on and off the bike has been incredibly important to me. My commitment to my sport, community and my values is as strong as ever. Even though racing has been shut down, I’m making the most of this time to get in solid, hard training sessions that have been, quite honestly, making me feel very uncomfortable. These workouts include spending two to three days in the gym, and five days a week on the bike, oftentimes double days. Therefore, fueling properly is essential, from my daily diet to nutritional supplements aiding before, during and after my workouts.
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Exercise and Nutritional Immunology. A Three-Part Series: Part 3: Lifestyle Immune Health

Exercise and Nutritional Immunology. A Three-Part Series: Part 3: Lifestyle Immune Health

Created by Karlyn Grimes, MS RD LDN CSSD+
(biography click here)

Parts one and two in this immune health series for athletes focused on practical, nutrition-based interventions to optimize immune system functioning. Part three will focus on lifestyle practices and behaviors that can be employed to promote optimal immune health and resilience, thereby allowing training to continue unabated.
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Exercise and Nutritional Immunology. A Three-Part Series: Part 2: Micro and Supplemental Immune Health

Exercise and Nutritional Immunology. A Three-Part Series: Part 2: Micro and Supplemental Immune Health

Created by Karlyn Grimes, MS RD LDN CSSD+
(biography click here)

The first article in this three-part series outlined the current macronutrient guidelines for carbs, proteins, fats and fluids that have been shown to fortify and strengthen the immune system. Part two will take a look at the little guys (aka the micronutrients) who discreetly but impressively support optimal functioning of this intricate system.
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Exercise and Nutritional Immunology. A Three-Part Series: Part 1: Macro Immune Health

Exercise and Nutritional Immunology. A Three-Part Series: Part 1: Macro Immune Health

Created by Karlyn Grimes, MS RD LDN CSSD+
(biography click here)

It’s pretty simple: the healthier an athlete, the more they can train. This means focusing on proper nutrition to support your entire body, including your immune system. Intensified training, low energy and macro- and micronutrient availability, psychological stress, sleep disruption, and suboptimal recovery can all affect the immune system. To help keep the immune system in tip-top shape, this three-part series will outline immune-supportive rules to live by, including key macro- (carbs, protein, fat and fluids) and micronutrient (vitamin and minerals) recommendations, guidelines for immune-friendly nutritional supplements, and a handful of general lifestyle habits.
Let’s start with the macronutrient basics…
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Klean Gelatin

Klean Gelatin

Created by Leslie J. Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN+
(biography click here)

Sometimes when we train we have strain. So to help us recover and replete so we can get out there to practice and compete it makes sense to think about what we eat. Jello is easy to eat, but not the best choice to help your body recover and replenish. But adding in KLEAN Collagen + C as well as KLEAN Hydration supply the carbs, protein, electrolytes, vitamin C and collagen to help you strategize your intake and optimize your performance.

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Why Athletes and Active People May Benefit from Vitamin D Supplementation

Why Athletes and Active People May Benefit from Vitamin D Supplementation

Created by sponsored advisor and friend Angie Asche, MS, RD, CSSD
(biography click here)

Research on the relationship between vitamin D and athletes continues to develop, and while a large number of studies have pointed to vitamin D’s role in bone health, studies have also examined its impact on performance and immune function. Athletes with suboptimal vitamin D levels may not perform at their best.

It is estimated that over 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D insufficiency. The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) demonstrated a significant increase in vitamin D deficiency throughout the last 30 years in the U.S. alone, with over 77% of Americans considered to be vitamin D-insufficient.1 Causes include limited sun exposure, lack of fortified nutrition, skin pigmentation and malabsorption.
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Klean Gazpacho: Protein, Produce & Taste!

Klean Gazpacho: Protein, Produce & Taste!

Created by Leslie J. Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN+
(biography click here)

As the temperature rises athletes and active people need to pay extra attention to their fluids. And sometimes when it is hot and humid, appetite may not be great resulting in suboptimal fuel in the glass, bowl or plate. If you don’t feel like cooking or grilling but know you still need to get your protein and produce- why not a 2 for 2 with flavor to savor? This easy gazpacho delivers on protein, produce and taste and with a blender, you can make it in haste and incorporates Klean Hydration to help replace carbs and electrolytes as well as Klean Isolate for the protein. PLUS- 2 servings of veggies. So why not go savory instead of sweet for a post workout recovery treat?

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Three soup options to keep your meals nutritious and delicious

Three soup options to keep your meals nutritious and delicious

Created by Leslie J. Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN+
(biography click here)

Now more than ever, our physical and mental health and well-being are critically important! As athletes, we’re creatures of habit, and keeping up with normal routines of eating healthy, keeping up with training programs and also getting adequate rest and recovery will surely keep us fit and focused, ready to take on what these most uncertain days throw our way. We encourage you to incorporate nutritious recipes utilizing basic ingredients easily found in your fridge and pantry. A comforting, hearty bowl of soup can be a great option. Soup is aromatic, delicious and easy — leaving you more time to train, walk the dog or chase the kids around the yard, rather than be stuck in the kitchen.

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Spartan® World Championships: Race Recap by Sponsored OCR Athlete, Michelle Kasold

Spartan® World Championships: Race Recap by Sponsored OCR Athlete, Michelle Kasold

I went into the Spartan® World Championships without too many expectations. It was my first time in Tahoe at Squaw Valley and I knew there were going to be a lot of unbelievable athletes toeing the line. I did as much as I could to prepare and I just wanted to go out, do my best, and see where that landed me in the world. All the prepping could not have prepared me for what Mother Nature decided to throw at us; nonetheless, I controlled what I could and just went in with a never give up mindset, which carried me over that finish line.
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