Michelle Bridges: Where to learn more about nutrition

ASK MICHELLE

I am interested in learning more about nutrition but I struggle to know where to begin. Can you recommend a nutrition book or website (or anything) that would get me on the right track?

It's a sign of the times when I get asked more questions about nutrition than exercise. Probably the most worrying side of this is that most of the enquiries I get are from people who are genuinely confused rather than seeking information. A recent Deakin University study showed that 30 per cent of us are still unsure of what constitutes a healthy diet. Gawd!

I don't see this confusion trend with exercise – it seems the majority of us seem to have more clarity and understanding in this area. Perhaps it's because there are lots of gyms and personal trainers out there pointing people in the right direction. Not so with nutrition, though, which is a minefield of mixed messaging and heavy marketing.

But how we nourish ourselves is just as important as how we exercise, so hats off for wanting to expand your knowledge. I'd start with a reputable fitness-industry course provider, or for a more formal education try the Dietitians Association of Australia (daa.asn.au) or the Nutrition Society of Australia (nutritionaustralia.org).

WORKOUT MAKEOVER

Michele Mattiuzzi Actor, Home and Away

Michele's workout: I train at 6.15am, Monday to Friday, starting with a 15-minute deep-core routine. Then 15-20 minutes cardio warm-up on the stepper and a 45-minute weights routine splitting sessions into chest, back, legs, shoulders and arms. If I finish early I get in another cardio session or a 45-minute walk, and I alternate training on Saturdays and Sundays and my days off depending on how my body feels. On Sunday afternoons I prepare my meals for the week. I struggle with sleep, though, and need to address this.

Michele's goal: My fitness goal is to keep fit and maintain a solid, lean physique.

Michelle says: Well now, Constable Stevenson, I can see how you've got that lawless lot at Summer Bay whipped into shape with such a highly technical routine! I'm loving a) the consistency, b) the attention to your core muscles, c) the fact your legs get a look-in on your weights sessions, and d) how you listen to your body by alternating weekend workouts. You also get extra brownie points for preparing your meals on the weekend. Delicious, healthy and cheap!

So here's the plan: Get that lack of sleep under control. Your bedroom is key. Go for a cave vibe – cool, quiet, pitch black. Wind down your evening with gentle music and low lights. And if you haven't tried meditation, give it a go – it works! I prefer to work my mid-section after a weights session. That way I go into the workout with maximum core stability, pre-fatiguing it to some degree ready for a core workout to finish off.

STIR-FRIED BEEF WITH GINGER

1 tsp peanut oil

250g lean rump steak, thinly sliced

1 onion, thinly sliced

3cm-piece ginger, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks

½ cup (80g) fresh corn kernels

1 bunch choy sum, trimmed and cut into 4cm lengths

¼ small red cabbage, trimmed and shredded

1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

2 tsps oyster sauce

Heat half the oil in a wok on high. Stir-fry the steak for two minutes, or until browned. Remove from wok and set aside.

Heat the remaining oil in the same wok over high heat. Stir-fry the onion, ginger and corn for two minutes, or until golden. Add the choy sum and cabbage, and stir-fry for one minute, or until just wilted.

Return the beef to the wok along with the soy sauce and oyster sauce, and stir-fry until hot. Serve immediately.

Recipe from Powerful Living (Viking) by Michelle Bridges.

#learn #nutrition #stirfriedbeefwithginger #food #recipe