Phytonutrients, also known as phytochemicals, are chemical compounds found in all plant foods that are essential for optimal human health. So far about 10,000 known phytochemicals have been identified and they are responsible for many of the colours, tastes and aromas of foods we eat every day. These phytonutrients add a powerful kick of antioxidants into the diet and help the body to function normally as well as protect against various diseases. They enable the body’s cells to communicate and function, preventing cellular mutations or abnormal cell development.
Dietary trends are eating patterns that become increasingly adopted over time and may become widespread across the general population, sticking around long-term. Some dietary trends appear quickly and disappear just as quickly. These diets can be very short-lived and are often referred to as a food fad or fad diet. Many people pursuing improved health or weight loss may look to try new and trendy diets. These diets often come with many promises. However, not all trends or fads live up to their health claims, sometimes having
A healthy digestive system is the key to healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. Nutrients such as vitamins, amino acids and dietary fibres are absorbed, digested and converted into other metabolites by intestinal microbes. So maintaining a healthy gut microbiome (or flora) is critical for optimal health. Typically, there are both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ microbiota (or bacteria), and it is essential to maintain a healthy balance between the two. If the gut cannot adequately digest food, the body will not absorb the necessary nutrients. This can result in the
If you’re wanting to get into the fitness industry as a Personal Trainer sooner rather than later, you might want to consider our Fast Track Personal Trainer Course. It’s important to understand what you can and can’t do with a Fast Track Personal Trainer Course, how much time it will save you, and whether it suits your target market. We will be covering some common questions we get, to help you clear up any confusion with the main question being “What is the
More people are turning to online study options when wanting to become a Personal Trainer. Here are our top six reasons why you should choose online! With technology and working online becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society, it is no wonder that education for Personal Trainers is following suit. Thanks to advances in technology and increasing lifestyle demands, online education is becoming the “new normal” and a preferred choice of study by students. More people are turning to Online
Do you know which personal training course is right for you? We list down our online personal training courses offered by Vast Fitness Academy. If you’re wanting to get into a career in nutrition, health, wellness, or fitness you’ve probably asked yourself “What nutrition qualification can I get?” or “What fitness qualification can I get?” It’s important to understand what each qualification involves, what you will learn and what career opportunities that each qualification gives you. We will be covering our top
When it comes to the diet, one thing is for sure, it can be incredibly confusing. You may hear one thing today then the complete opposite tomorrow depending on whom you follow on social media and where you get your information from. Below are five very common nutrition myths which I come across on a daily basis when consulting with clients. MYTH #1 – ALL CALORIES ARE EQUAL A calorie is a calorie, right? Wrong. Yes, a number of years ago I
Setting up a Successful Personal Training Business Working as a Fitness Professional is very exciting, and we know how eager our graduates are to make their start in the industry. Before you get started, however, there are a few important steps you can take to make your introduction to the industry a success. STEP 1 – CHOOSE A SPECIALTY AREA It’s so important to pick your target market. Choosing your target market allows you to get clear on the type
5 STEPS TO BECOME A NUTRITIONIST Follow these simple steps and learn how to become a Nutritionist. Having a Nutritionist qualification will allow you to make an impact with your clients. Success is highly subjective and can mean different things to different people, but when it comes to succeeding as a Nutritionist – or within the health and wellness space – it solely comes down to your clients and how you serve them. Success as a health professional looks like helping your
As a Personal Trainer, you have the capacity to lead a very different lifestyle compared to your typical 9-5 job either working for someone else or behind stuck in an office or behind a desk all day! There are no doubts that successful Personal Trainers are well known for having that work/life balance all sorted out, and in the opinions of many others this balance is said to be the ‘ideal lifestyle’, and why wouldn’t it be! When you commit to