Food for fuel week 1 – overcoming the ‘fear factor’

Firstly it would be fair to introduce Adam Wade, the man behind the plan………. When I first began to think I had an issue I floated the idea of approaching a professional for help and then ‘sat on it’ for another two months, not my smartest move! But, once I had decided to tackle it head on I began the search for a reputable nutritionist who was going to be honest (but not brutal) and keep it simple and athlete centred, a quick request in my local triathlon club and Adam ‘popped’ up. A few WhatsApp messages and it felt like he would be a good fit for my needs, and his feedback from my week of logging food was both encouraging and data driven enough to meet my ‘nerd factor’ (never work with a mathematician 🤣🤣), next step – to actually meet!

A local coffee stop for cyclists and a sunny Friday morning gave us the perfect venue and two cups of tea later and a plan was born – work with Adam for at least two months as I lead into Outlaw X and see what healthy changes I can make, this included twice a week weigh ins to monitor progress and initially menu ideas to fit around my training schedule – sounds simple enough 🤷‍♀️ It turns out we were cycling back the same way – oh dear, not good, it was only 5.5 miles but Adam seemed to be breezing effortlessly along while I forgot to put ‘competitive Helen’ in her box and ragged myself to stay with him, fortunately Adam turned off before the only hill and I was able to regain a level of comfort and a more normal HR!

A couple of anxious days as I awaited ‘the plan’ and I tried to pack in a few more calories to fuel my training, then it arrived and the ‘fear factor’ set in. Not sure how many of you get your next month of triathlon training and panic just a little? Or is it only me……..but that was how I felt when I saw the plan, the food looked great, but the quantities and extra snacks made me wonder what I had done and how the hell would I cope.

So Helen the Hobbit was born, breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea – you get the message. I’d wanted to make overnight oats for ages and never actually got round to it, here was my opportunity, I was determined to be organised to help make this work – fail number 1 😢

The porridge was great, but I didn’t make the required portion and didn’t notice until it was too late 🤷‍♀️ at least it tasted good, especially with my ‘oh my god – loads of reduced raspberries in Waitrose (how very middle class…..) homemade coulis!

Training done – time for the snack, toast and peanut butter with jam – no jam, coulis to the rescue but it was so sloppy it required a knife and fork to eat – but tasted pretty good regardless! Shopping list written and it was surprisingly easy as I had most of the ingredients in the house and the food was reassuringly ‘normal’. Nothing so far has been difficult to cook and the smoothies are delicious as afternoon snacks. The first day I found it a real challenge as I felt I was constantly stuffing my face and was reassured with the feedback from Adam when I mentioned it the next day. I know this isn’t a quick fix and it will take the same commitment, planning and ‘willingness’ to make positive changes that have applied to triathlon – but it is hard and I was dreading the next weigh in.

As I write this I am halfway through my third day and there has been a totally unexpected side effect – more time? How can that be, I am prepping a good lunch and evening meal so surely I would have less time? Having to focus more on eating around training has ensured I get up (I am not a morning person, my husband deserves a medal for even approaching me before my first cup of tea!) and train at times which then allow me to fuel before or effectively refuel after – my coach is certainly pleased and keeps commenting, shame it doesn’t make me want to clean the house in all extra the time I have (but at least my bike is sparkling 🤣🤣)

I think it’s too early to see if there has been any impact on my training or recovery, today was an excellent endurance ride and race pace brick run, but that could also be attributed to where we are in the training/racing cycle so I will reserve judgement for now. But if it is responsible for my sub 7min miles in the run intervals – bring on the food 🤣)

Unfortunately I can’t present my food the same way as it looks on the recipes from Adam, but the fajita chicken wraps and salmon rice bowls were definite lunchtime hits!

Tune back in next week for more dodgy food pictures and hopefully a feeling on any impact on training and recovery (doubt the house will be clean though 🤣🤣)