We are all pretty clued into the 30min post training optimal recovery window and that should be used without a thought, as it is at this time your body is most primed to absorb the nutrients you provide it.

But, I am sure you guess some foods are better then others right? Well that’s true but one little thing that hardly anyone ever discusses is the role that diet plays in regards to muscle tissue and acid base balance.

You see exercise increases your blood acidity level or blood acidosis, nothing wrong with that, but did you know that most post session recovery foods we consume are also net acid enhancing. Meaning they increase our blood acidity levels even further.

This is where we can run into some issues in terms of muscle and bone health as this metabolic acidosis creates muscle and bone wastage which will seriously affect performance and health.

The body likes to be in balance and the only way without dietary intervention to reduce blood acidity naturally by the body, is to pull nitrogen out of the muscle tissue and take minerals out of bone i.e. we end up cannibalising our muscles and bones… NOT GOOD!

Especially for athletes…

Don’t worry though there is a simple quick fix and foods that are net alkaline producing that lower our bloods acidosis levels. These are fruits and veggies. So the best thing you can do is add these into your post training recovery mix. Simple!

For example, you need some grains post long and intense sessions to quickly restock muscle glycogen and you also need amino acids to help with muscle repair, while adding some fluids will help rehydrate you. Then all you need to do is add in some fruits which are not only alkaline but also contain your needed electrolytes. A pinch of salt and your are all good.

All you need to remember is that grains, diary and protein (meats) are all net acid producing, while fruit and non starchy veggies are all net alkaline producing. So simply add fruit and veggies to each meal that has net acid producing foods and you’ll mitigate the potentially problematic effects of a diet high in net acid producing foods which is coupled with exercise.

Empowering you to be your best

Kristian Manietta

P.S. If you have already purchased a TP Kit from me, at an expo, a shop or online then send me a photo of you using it and I’ll send you a pdf of the Ultimate Body Maintenance Guide and the log-in to the hidden secret section on the website.