High Intensity training – Does it require diet planning?

It’s no longer a secret that High Intensity Interval Training contributes to weight shedding at a rate faster than other forms of exercise. Kickboxing training by its very nature introduces this form of exercise into the routine of its adherents. But what about diet. Diet together with exercise seems to contribute significantly both to a healthy weight and a healthy mind.

It’s a simple observation to notice that different diets are more prevalent amongst some sports than others. Are they really different or are they all the same thing dressed up differently? The answer to this will depend on who you ask. However, the variation in opinion will depend on so multiple factors. Firstly, the need for a particular diet will depend on the individual. Considering age, weight, amount of exercise undertaken and even their individual health and nutrition needs. The type of exercise will also influence the decisions surrounding diet. Exercise that burns calories quickly and at a high level will demand a diet higher in carbohydrates then one that doesn’t.

Protein and Carbs

Carbs are important, but so is protein. As we exercise, we are not only burning up fuel in our bodies. We are also building up muscle and muscle needs protein to be healthy. There is no specific diet for the kickboxer. The common sense rules apply in the same way that they do for other intense and continuous exercise. Carbs should be complex and not refined. Protein should be sourced naturally. 

The rule that the food should be as close to its original state as possible when consumed makes enormous sense.

One of the greatest observations that personal trainers make is that newcomers to exercise will consume the wrong food immediately after exercise. By consuming a fat based diet to satisfy that hungry feeling, digestion is slowed, and protein is not as effectively absorbed. Protein shakes or high protein intake after a challenging session will make all the difference, when the body is best prepared to absorb the nutrients. Muscle will benefit and the difference will be noticeable sooner.

Listen to what your body is telling you

The more you tune into your body, the more you will be able to understand your own needs. If you’re stiff and sore, try upping the protein. If you’re tired you may need some extra carbs to keep going. Remember though that your carb intake will generally be as much or slightly less than you need to burn calories for exercise.

Ultimately the diet that one person needs will differ from the one the person standing next to them does. Even when undertaking the same exercise routine and even if their lives are almost identical. Our bodies are all different and we all respond to what we put into them differently. When looking for dietary advice rather look at what foods and in which quantities will be right for you, rather than selecting a diet that dictates exactly the same foods in the same quantities for everyone. There are always going to be some people that a specific diet will not work for. You don’t want to be one of the statistics.

Who to ask

If you're a kickboxing enthusiast then the best person to ask is the person that provides your training. They will certainly know which direction to steer you in and what kind of diet you should consider exploring in line with the type, intensity and frequency of exercise that you are undertaking.