Two major things when I think about diet and exercise are Carbs and Sodium. This article is for the gym nut and moderately nutrition perceptive. I have seen many articles, television commercials and series related to exercise and weight loss that focus on one thing. To me you should be able to know what is right from wrong – whether to get the fat free, reduced fat, or transfat free food and beverage products. Carbs and Sodium are two important things I want to introduce to you for your training.

What you will love best about training for the 10k or for any distance running race is eating your fair share of carbs. No, it does mean you can eat all the breads, grains, pastas, rice, and muffins in the world. You have to keep in mind good carbs and that means incorporating whole grains, wheat, fruits, vegetables, and beans in moderation and fit with your diet.

Carbs gets you to think fast and move faster. The objective is to keep your body well nourished and being able to burn it off especially during cardiovascular workouts.

You always hear, especially in diet crazes and exercising to cut down on carbs, but it is also important to focus on cutting down on sodium.

Sodium is an essential nutrient, but very little is needed in the diet. According to the American Heart Association recommends that you choose and prepare foods with little or no salt to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Aim to eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

Here is the deal breaker: Americans consume an average of over 3,000 mg of sodium daily. Surprise, Surprise! For kicks, we know tomatoes have a high source of potassium, but a low source of sodium. However, a regular can of Campbell’s Tomato Soup has 710 mg of sodium. Imagine only being able to consumer only 1,500 per day and you have already consumed nearly 70% of your daily recommended value.

So how do you lower sodium intake? For starters, look for vegetables that are fresh or frozen versus canned. Limit cured meats and foods packed in brine and do not go for instant rice and Ramen noodles and frozen dinners.

So in essence, eat good carbs and do not eat out the can and frozen boxes too often. Let’s just say keep it fresh and you’ll keep looking fit!