Former National athlete Joy Kuan shares tips on eating clean for peak sports results
Striking a balance in life may be as simple as carving out time regularly to indulge in an activity of your choice. Yahoo Shopping chats with personalities who share their passion for a sport or wellness activity they enjoy which helps them take on the world with zeal. We hope these monthly series inspire you to find an interest that will add that sparkle to your life.
Puma ambassador and former national athlete Joy Kuan, part of the SEA Games 2015 athletics squad, is currently inspiring the younger generation as an Athletics coach and gym trainer. She competed locally and internationally for three years from 2015 to 2017, when multiple injuries and relapses brought a pause to competing. However, with plans to train again for competition soon, Joy ensures she is always at her top form. Currently, she is enjoying the training process with no specific competitive goals in mind.
Yahoo Shopping: What is the one sport or wellness activity you love, and how did you get started?
Joy Kuan: I started to watch my diet when I first got into competitive sports. I realised the importance of nutrition as part of the recovery process. By now, dietary preps are routine, and it's customary for me whether I’m coaching or training. Of course, when I was preparing competitively, I watched my diet more closely. I would add more protein or carbohydrates to my diet during competitions whenever needed. For example, I would try to have more protein after a gym session. Or, after a hard track session or endurance session, I would have more carbs.
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What are its benefits, and what do you love about it?
A well-planned and nutritious diet ensures that I have the right vitamins, minerals and proteins that help boost my recovery and training performance. On top of that, it makes me feel more energetic and less sluggish throughout the day. Overall, it makes me feel good about myself.
How often do you indulge in it, and with whom?
I try to watch my diet every day. I will choose the healthier option anytime. If not, I will usually avoid fried food or sweets. I typically meal prep or choose healthier options on my own.
Was there any point you wanted to give up? Why? How did you bounce back?
It's not easy juggling training and coaching as a career, but that's where time management comes into play. I will have to ensure I train in the morning, have sufficient time to rest, and coach in the afternoon. Also, I think it helps me prepare with my athletes too! As for meal prepping, it has become a habit for me. I'm fortunate that my body doesn't crave unhealthy food. And if I do, I'll have it in moderation or on special occasions.
What gears/tools do you need or use when engaging in the wellness activity?
Recovery tools such as massage guns, balls, and foam rollers work wonders for aching muscles. Ice baths help, too, after a hard day of training. I also engage in active recovery by light jogging or swimming to get the blood flowing. Of course, taking sufficient vitamins and food helps with the recovery process.
Share with us one thing you learnt from this wellness activity or what you wish others to discover about it.
Discipline is a commitment toward consistency to achieve results.
As a well-known figure, what is one way you inject positivity into the public?
Through encouraging messages on my social media, I hope people are inspired by what I do. Being a track and field coach inspires and supports my athletes to reach their potential. Sporting performance aside, it is crucial for a coach to provide guidance and share positive values with our athletes too. This comes from sharing my personal experience and being a good role model.
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Meal preps & food preparation
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Supplementing your diet
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Training gear
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