Change Your Plan in the Heat Wave

It is finally Friday! The end of my workout week!

I feel quite good about this week, so I sort of look forward to tomorrow’s weigh-in. (That’s of course, if you don’t count the Wednesday sushi incident, but I think I am still moving in the right direction… even with that)

So, today was an intervals’ running day and as usual – I preferred to do this first thing in the morning. And good thing I did! How hot was today? There would have been no way that I would have gone to the gym once the sun was up!

My meals were also influenced greatly by the heat. I don’t know about you, but I find it difficult to eat when it is so hot outside! It went something like this:
- oats with yoghurt for breakfast
- Myoplex after my workout
- 2 ostrich sausages and two mushrooms stuffed with feta for lunch
- Ostrich sausage and brinjals for almost-dinner (about 5-ish)
- A slice of toast and 3 egg whites for dinner… and an apple

I hope tomorrow is cooler than today, cause the only thing I have strength for now is to put on my bather and jump in the pool.

Mel

Jeni:
Hey,

Did you have similar experience to Mel’s today? According to SABC News it was 34 degrees in Cape Town today, but I, personally, think the weatherman is dyslexic. 43 felt more like the number.

In heat like this, there is no point in trying to stick to a “normal” routine. If you didn’t get to your exercise before 8a.m. (like Mel did) you will have to leave it till 8-9p.m. or scrap it altogether. I know that this is now what you expect to hear from the trainer that is there to motivate you, but exercise in weather like today’s is outright dangerous. So, don’t do it! (Unless of course you are Ryan Sandes, in which case these are perfect training conditions!)

Your eating should also be modified in this weather as well. If you eat a high-protein diet, you are really taking fat chances in this heat. Protein consumption increases your metabolism, which essentially increases your body temperature – the last thing you need right now!

Focus on salads and even up your fruit – foods that have a lot of water. Drink water and water only. I know how appealing a cold beer seems on a day like today, but it will dehydrate you to no end!

What I am saying is: sometimes you will have to change your plan because of external factors. Today was one of these times. One day of low protein and higher carbs (relatively speaking) will have no long term negative effects for you but you will be way more comfortable and much better equipped to deal with what’s coming.

Now go drink some cold water!

Ciao!

Jeni