Convenience goes hand-in-hand with the lack of time we discussed in my last article — when you’re so stuck for time and as busy as you riders are, both at home and at shows, finding the opportunity to have a workout isn’t the only issue. In fact, that was probably low down on your priority list until we discussed it last week.
When you don’t sit down or stop all day, meal times become an afterthought where you just smash and grab whatever is on offer (unless you have a personal chef, in which case let me talk to you about my five-star one-to-one coaching services!). This means meals tend to get skipped, or they are often easy to eat zero-preparation foods like sandwiches, crisps, chocolate, pop – and if you’re feeling ‘good’, a piece of fruit.
I’m not going to tell you that you need to prepare your meals, be organised, or completely remove any of the things you normally have, mainly because YOU DON’T NEED TO, but also because that’s not going to help you with this obstacle of convenience — it does the opposite, meaning you only end up failing.
What I want to tell you is that sandwiches, fruit, even the occasional bit of so-called junk food, has its place in a healthy diet. But there are some other options too — you just need to re-think your approach.
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Here are some easy-to-prepare or grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options that could help you feel energised, healthier, can aid in losing weight and just make life easier, both at home and on the road — which ultimately is the goal behind a lot of the content in the showjumping blueprint.
For more similar articles and tips on how to overcome your fitness and nutrition obstacles as a rider, keep an eye out for our upcoming articles in Horse & Hound and follow Integrum Nutrition and #ShowJumpingBluePrint on social media.