Coach Wawa Najwa: Healthy Lifestyle During Pregnancy

On the 2nd trimester, I was still having the nausea but I didn’t want to take it too serious and skip the feeling. Eating after vomit is pretty hard for someone who has just lost their appetite. What I’d do is I’ll drink milk for the baby to consume just to make sure I don’t leave myself and the baby hungry after an empty stomach. Alhamdulillah, I don’t have any weird cravings.

My tips, along the pregnancy I really kept myself living a healthy lifestyle, just exactly how I’ve lived before my pregnancy. It helps a lot in terms of energy level, stamina and when it comes to delivering my baby it was easy and less tiring. I avoid pickles or junk food and fast food replacing them with more vegetables and fruits. For beverages, 99% of caffeine is cut off from my diet. The intake of milk, juices, plain water and soy protein is a must. Eating outside is not my

At the edge of pregnancy, the hunger of eating seafood was inevitable, knowing that too much seafood consumed isn’t healthy for the baby. One thing I would like to stress on. I rarely eat outside as I prefer to cook myself healthy meal and this has been going on before my pregnancy.

As a coach, do you still workout?

Yes, I still teach yoga, HIIT, Boxing, and PT for my clients. I’m quite active during pregnancy, some of my students even told me my energy level isn’t like pregnant woman at all. Lol.

 

Tips untuk Larian UiTM Ultra 2020 – #HillsareMadeforToughLeg

Date : 1 -2 Feb 2020

Venue : Stadium UiTM Shah Alam

Distance : 52 km, 84 km, 104 km

Kategori : 52 km (Women Vateran)

 

This is the Vol. 4 for this event.  But it is the 1st time for me to join.  Dari vol. 2 nak cuba, sebab nak rasa lari di tempat saya ambil degree dulu, tapi keadaan tak mengizinkan. Actually, this year pun  tak dapat nak register sebab faktor masa. But last-minute, a week before the event one of my friends have an emergency issue, she can’t make it. Luckily It’s possible to transfer the bib, so I can change my name to the event system. 

Terus terang, saya memang tak cukup training, millage collect past few months pun tak banyak. Paling jauh saya berlari bulan Januari itu pun 20km saja.  Cuma sepanjang Januari hingga ke hari event saya ada join BiiB challange, iaitu setiap hari tanpa miss walau sehari saya perlu berlari 2 km. Itu saja persediaan yang ada. The only I had is the spirit and confidence plus a few experience, sebelum ni saya pernah juga join event  50km.

Saya baca banyak review tentang event ni, and they said this event was well organized.  Patutlah event ni semakin besar dan ramai. Konsep larian ialah looping, 1 loop = 5.2km.  So untuk kategori saya, I have to run 10 loops within the cut of times 10 hours. Kalau ikut teori matematik, 1 loop berlari dalam masa 1 jam, itu memang cukup-cukup masa COT. 

Route :

picture credit UiTM Ultra, Runner’s Guide

 

Flag of untuk kategori 52km ialah pada 1 Februari jam 10 malam. Untuk loop yang pertama saya easy run belajar route, tengok jalan ada lubang or not, tengok keadaan jalan, tengok timing mat, cari di mana toilet dan sekeliling. Starting dari Padang Kawad terus ke Kolej Aggerik, Pusat Kesihatan,  Fakulti Engineering, dan sehingga di cabaran pertama bila di Bukit Tonggek dan waktu ni saya rasa kaki  saya melekat di jalan. It’s seriously  tonggek. This hill was killing me, how can I walk here for 10 loops?  Hahaha… Than, lepas azab di Bukit Tonggek, jalan terus menurun bukit sehinggalah jumpa cabaran berbukit kedua, di Kolej Seroja terus ke Fakulti Art & Design, Menara, dan PTAR.  Kira-kira 1km lebih juga laluan bukit disini. Laluan bukitnya yang agak panjang.  Terus ke Fakuti Sains Gunaan, Kolej Perindu, Pusat Sukan dan terus ke starting point semula.  

This is Bukit Tonggek. You can imagine the hills by just looking how they walk.  Picture by Pixel Asimo

Second challenge, Bukit Seroja. Picture credit Pixel Asimo

Water Station (WS) :

Sebab loop cuma 5.2km, jadi ada 2 saja WS.  WS1 di starting line dan WS2 lebih kurang dalam 2km di Bukit Tonggek, Konsep minuman kat sini you all kena bawa cawan/ botol sendiri / Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) bawa 2 bottles , satu letak di WS 1 dan  1 lagi di WS2. Bottle/ cup di marked guna number bib. So senang you all nak cari. 

Water Station & Rest area Picture credit Pixel Asimo

Baguslah konsep yang macam ni, kurangkan kos dan environment friendly. Food & drinks semua sangat mewah. Air coke, kopi ice, nescafe ice, sirap, 100 plus. Food pun banyak sangat, ada cekodok, sandwich, bubur dan sup dan banyak lagi sampai saya tak tau nak makan apa, saya cuma makan pisang dan watermelon sebab senang nak kunyah dan telan. 🙂

Di WS ni ada sediakan kerusi, boleh lah kalau you all nak rehat-rehat. Tapi kerusi ni juga boleh makan diri kalau tak ada sebab jangan duduk tau, bahaya!

My Strategy and tips

As i said before, saya  memang tak cukup millage untuk training game ni.  Dapat bib seminggu before event. Jadi apa yang saya buat ialah :

Seminggu sebelum game :

  • Saya berlari sehari 3km je, slow-slow layan angin pagi
  • Plank seminit 5 kali sehari
  • 90 x squart
  • 100 x 5kali sehari jumping jacks
  • 90 x burpess 
  • Makan minum macam biasa avoid yang pedas

Event day (tips macam mana nak kejar COT)

  • Masa 1st loop saya  lari untuk  tengok route, tengok jalan kalau ada berlubang berbatu, tengok part mana bukit, turun bukit yang flat, kat mana toilet, timing mat dan segala nya yang boleh nampak.
  • Bila dah tau, saya  atur strategy 🙂 naik bukit fast walk, turun bukit dan flat kena lari.  Jangan rehat terlalu lama di WS, minum dan sambung lari. My aimed, 1 loop mesti lari dalam masa 40-50 minute, so that saya ada buffer time, If anything happened, saya masih boleh kejar COT.  Bila dah loop ke 5, saya stop makan energy bar dan ambil Natura shot. Alhamdulillah, kenyang dan sangat berkesan.
  • Jangan duduk! Kalau kaki cramp streching, kalau penat berlari, jalan.  Mengantuk? Memang akan rasa mengantuk sebab waktu tidur kan, ambil coffee, makan gula2 kopiko. Jangan tidur! sebab  game ni you all yang pilih, so kena lah berkorban waktu tidur, tak mau rasa susah, jangan sign up event ni.. your choice! 
  • Listen to your body! Badan kita semua tak sama, you control your mind and body.  Kalau rasa tak sihat, stop dan jumpa medic!

Alhamdulillah, strategy saya ni berjaya untuk saya dapat habiskan game ni dalam masa 8jam 17 minit dan dapat no 7 kategori Women Vateran.  My personal best so far. Yeayy!!! Bangga sangat dengan diri sendiri! 

e-certificate

Overall  event ni sangat baik.  Semua cukup, medical, marshall, peronda Uitm pun selalu round, air dan makanan cukup, ada tempat massage, surau, toilet, dan bagagge area, tempat rehat, parking space pun besar.  Nak pacak khemah, bentang tikar semua boleh. Seronok dapat jumpa kawan-kawan yang datang support, ramai juga yang bawa family “berkampung” .  

 

Special award for top 10

 

Medal for all categories

Terbaik event ni walau route sangat mencabar, mungkin saya akan kembali beraksi di lain kategori. Who knows.. :). Good job & well done kepada organizer & crew!

I am running in Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab, non-flipping, and secure hijab.  With Ultra Top I, breathable, fast dry and super comfy. Leggings – High Waist Fitness, soft and stretchable. All you can get at nashata.com

 

 

 

 

Larian Hari Keputeraan Sultan Nazrin Shah 2019 – “Raya Runners”

Assalamualaikum

Hari Ahad lepas (17/11/2019) saya berlari di acara Larian Hari Keputeraan Sultan Nazrin Shah (LHKSNS) Kuala Kangsar, Perak.  Acara ini edisi ke 5 LHKSNS dan untuk saya ini adalah tahun ke 3 berturut saya sertai.  Acara yang ditunggu-tunggu oleh runners, sebabnya ia ibarat hari raya bagi kami semua. Apabila pendaftaran dibuka, hanya mengambil masa 2  jam sahaja dan slot telah ‘sold out’, walaupun pada tahun ini penyertaan untuk semua kategori ditambah dengan total keseluruhan 6000 slot.  Macam goreng pisang panas! Kenapa? Sebab ia ada tarikannya tersendiri! Memang seronok!

Waktu ambil race kit di Dewan Jubli Perak, jam 6.30 petang masih ramai, rata-rata yang datang dari luar Kuala Kangsar.

Gambar kenangan selepas ambil race kit. Depan saya ramai lagi yang beratur untuk ambil gambar disini.

Waktu saya beratur, Tuanku Zara juga berada di dewan. Cantiknya Tuanku Zara!

Pagi itu saya terus ke starting line, sangat mudah bagi saya sebab Masjid berdepan dengan Dewan Jubli Perak, mudah nak solat subuh.

Saya dalam kategori 15km wanita vateran, starting point di Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Kangsar pada jam 7.00 pagi.  Penyertaan pada tahun ini sangat meriah kerana ramai runners datang dengan berbagai jenis pakaian, termasuk saya sendiri.

Flag of 15km oleh Sultan Nazrin Shah

Larian pada hari tu, saya cuma nak berlari santai, jumpa kawan-kawan, dan bergambar saja.  Kami berlari di kawasan kampung, seronok bila berlari dapat jumpa dengan orang kampung yang bersorak, di jamu dengan kuih tradisional.  Selain itu kami boleh berhenti untuk sama-sama main congkak, batu seremban, ada live band untuk hiburan kami semua.  Orang kg Kuala Kangsar sangat awesome! Ini bukan race! Ini larian hari raya!

Photoshoot di tengah jalan pun boleh!

Route yang mendamaikan 🙂

Kita stop main batu seremban dulu 🙂

 

Geng afro – photo by Zul Ramly

Geng pajamas – photo by Kin K Yum

Kami berlari di kawasan bendang.  Untuk saya yang duduk KL ni, nak tengok sawah bendang ni memang setahun sekali je. Ya Allah! dah jakun sangant rupanya. Masa hari tu sawah bendang jadi tempat photoshoot.  Meriah!

Saya berpakaian baju melayu, bergambar di bendang. 🙂

Di km10 saat yang paling kami tunggu,trademark LHKSNS ialah dapat minum air kelapa free!!! #satukepalasatukelapa, seronokkan, bila penat berlari, dengan hari yang semakin panas dapat basahkan tekak dengan air kelapa muda.

 

Sisterhood is powerful, minum air kelapa bersama-sama. Photo by Fieza Ahmad.

Di Dataran Lembah pula, seperti berpesta, kami dihiburkan dengan lagu joget, ada kumpulan tarian dan sesiapa boleh menari bersama.  Kami juga di jamu dengan air dan kuih muih, makanlah seberapa banyak.

Kuih muih yang dijamu untuk peserta. Photo by As_Ayub

4km ke Finish Line, berlari santai-santai, suasana di bandar yang agak sibuk dengan kenderaaan, namun keselamatan kami semua masih di jaga dengan baik. Polis dan Rela sangat-sangat memebantu dan sportingnya orang Kuala Kangsar!

Farhati & Farhani with finisher medal.

Finisher Medal. Cantik!

Suasana berlari yang macam ni, memang saya tak pernah dapat rasai dimana-mana, cuma di sini.  Dengan yuran penyertaan cuma RM35, berbaloi dengan rasa kepuasan berlarii disini! Sebab itu, saya tak akan ketinggalan untuk sertai setiap tahun.  Jumpa lagi LHKSNS 2020.

Yayasan TM Tower Run with the power of USA Potatoes

Assalamualaikum.

Pada hari Ahad lepas, 10 November, saya menyertai Yayasan TM Tower Run di Menara TM, Bangsar.  Konsep acara ini adalah peserta perlu menaiki tangga hingga ke tingkat 54  iaitu sebanyak 1296 anak tangga dengan ketinggian 200 meter.

 

Acara bermula seawal  jam 6 pagi dengan ucapan pembukaan, doa dan nyanyian lagu Negaraku.  Peserta di lepaskan seawal jam 7 pagi. Terdapat enam (6) kategori – Terbuka Lelaki (berumur 18 tahun ke atas), Terbuka Wanita (berumur 18 tahun ke atas), Veteran Lelaki (berumur 40 tahun ke atas) , Veteran Wanita (berumur 40 tahun ke atas), kakitangan TM Lelaki dan TM kakitangan Wanita. Semua pelari di lepaskan secara individu dengan selang masa lima (5) saat manakala untuk pelari elit, selang masa 15 saat.

Lokasi yang sangat convenience.  Saya pergi ke race site menaiki LRT laluan Kelana Jaya dan berhenti di Station Kerinchi.  Dari situ, saya berjalan lebih kurang 3 minit untuk ke race site.  Seawal jam 8.30 pagi saya sampai dan  terus saya menuju ke booth yang berada di situ.

U.S Purple Potatoes with Blueberry Boost Shake U.S Purple Potatoes with Blueberry Boost Shake, and the meshed potatoes  was very delicious, perfect for pre-run or pre- workout breakfast.

Terima kasih kepada USA Potatoes salah satu penaja event pada hari itu dengan  beri free flow minuman dan meshed potatoes with gravy  secara percuma untuk semua peserta. Sedap and yeayy!!!

Saya menyertai dalam kategori Women Vateran dan dilepaskan pada  jam 9.40 pagi  Saya sangat teruja kerana ini adalah kali kedua saya menyertai larian menara, larian menara pertama saya adalah KL Towerthon di Menara KL pada tahun 2011.

Larian bermula dari dalam Menara TM, i just walk slow and easy. Ada 2 water station disediakan dengan air mineral dan isotonik.

They are so energetic, maybe they take energy drink and the meshed potatoes before the race. 🙂

Di Setiap tingkat, volunteer beri kata-kata semangat dan bersorak, hilang sikit rasa penat saya.  Saya dapat tamatkan acara dengan catatan masa 17minit 20 saat.  Bergambar kenangan di tingkat 54.

With Malaysia Airlines crew at the 54th floor.

Meshed Potatoes and U.S Purple Potatoes with Blueberry Boost Shake. I take it after the race too…Potatoes provides the carbohydrate, potassium, and energy you need at your best. A medium-size (5.2oz) has 3 grams of complete protein.

Kentang mengandungi karbohidrat, membekalkan 30% vitamin C dalam keperluan harian, Potassium yang lebih dari pisang bersaiz sederhana.  Kentang bersaiz sederhana (5.2 oz) hanya mempunyai 110 kalori.  No fat! No Sodium! No Cholesterol. Sebab itu lah saya rasa sungguh energetic!

Teruja saya bila dapat berjumpa dengan Soh Wai Ching! Pelari Menara No. 1 dunia! tahniah Wai Ching!

Soh Wai Ching (kiri) tempat pertama, dapat menghabiskan larian dalam masa 6 minit 9 saat.

Soh Wai Ching dinobatkan sebagai Pelari Menara No. 1 dunia dengan masa 6:09. Dengan kemenangan itu, Soh adalah Pemenang No.1 dunia dan perlumbaan akhir di Shanghai akan menjadi perlumbaan terpenting untuk beliau untuk mengekalkan gelaran  No. 1 dunia yang  mana rekod akan dikemas kini setiap bulan. Pelancaran Menara Antarabangsa Yayasan TM 2019 disahkan oleh Persatuan Dunia Towerrunning (TWA) dan Malaysia Towerrunning Association (MTA) dalam memastikan semua aspek keselamatan dan teknikal berjaya dilaksanakan. MTA adalah ilham Soh Wai Ching, seorang siswazah Sains Sukan Universiti Malaya. Towerrunning adalah senaman dan sukan yang cekap dan sangat berpatutan. MTA berfungsi sebagai Badan Nasional yang menetapkan tatacara dan peraturan untuk mempromosikan sukan yang sangat bermanfaat ini dan berharap dapat memperluakan lagi komuniti pelari menara.

With few of friends yang sama-sama berlari.. tahniah!

Yayasan TM International Tower Run acara yang sangat baik dan teratur. Saya harap ia akan diadakan semula tahun depan. Terima kasih kepada USA Potatoes kerana memberi saya peluang untuk mengambil bahagian dalam acara hebat ini. 

 “Real Food for Real Performance”!

 

‘REAL FOOD. REAL PERFORMANCE’

Kuala Lumpur, November 5, 2019 – The potato may be small in size, but it is big in nutrition! Studies have shown that the difference between the athlete’s best performances come down to his or her nutrition intake. Potatoes provide the complex carbohydrates, potassium, fibre and vitamin C required to perform better than ever.  More energy-packed than any other popular vegetables, potatoes contain more potassium than a banana.

Potatoes USA today shared information about its “Real Food, Real Performance 2019” campaign at Menara KL (KL Tower). Besides featuring education on performance nutrition for a power-packed lifestyle, there were collaborative initiatives with several athletes for 2019/2020. Potatoes USA will also be participating in various performance-related athletic events including the upcoming Yayasan TM Tower Run on November 10, which has attracted thousands of runners – from local and abroad.  

In recent years, research conducted has shown that the potatoes are natural, functional, energy-packed foods with healthy goodness for sportsmen, and every day consumers  to perform at their best. Potatoes are easily digestible and more energy dense than any other popular vegetable and potatoes are also a good choice to fuel the demands of competition. Potatoes USA is now working closely with a community of recognized athletes in the U.S. as well as various countries in Asia like Japan, South Korea, China and now Malaysia.    

 

Today at KL Tower, three champion runners were enlisted to bring to life the community message of active sports in relations to natural performance nutrition. They were World’s no. 2 & Asia’s no. 1 towerrunner champion, Soh Wai Ching, Malaysia’s no. 1 veteran runner Jeffrey Ross and ultra-marathon champion, Tahira Najmunisaa.  

The three runners took U.S. Potato Flex Energy Bars to fuel them throughout the run up the strenuous and endless 2,058 steps of the tower in a bid to best their   own personal run up time. They drank U.S Potato Smoothies after the run up to replenish their depleted glycogen levels. In a sharing session afterwards, each revealed their sports regime and how nutrition plays a crucial part to their successes.

 

Jeff Ross, Tahira & Soh Wai Ching

Soh said that towerrunning is an extremely intensive sport requiring a lot  of energy in such a short period of time. “The total calories burned for a 10-minute walk up the stairs are equivalent to 20-30 minutes of brisk walking horizontally. As such, I require large amounts of carbs to provide high levels of energy. In fact, due to my active sports regime, my diet consists of 70% carbohydrates. I will opt for good carbs, nutrient-dense and natural foods to help me. U. S potatoes fit the bill, “enthused Soh.

Soh is also the President of Malaysia Towerrunning Association (MTA), formed in August 2019 to govern and regulate Towerrunning Sport in Malaysia.  Present today is the association secretary, Mr. Low Keng Yik, a towerrunner himself. “We are happy to have Potatoes USA’s support to raise the awareness of towerrunning sports which is “half the time, double the benefits” and potatoes as “half the size, multiple dense nutrients food”, quipped Soh.

Well-known Sport Dietitian / Nutritionist and an avid runner herself, Adele Wong and Chef Janice Lee went on to showcase several delicious recipes suitable to fuel the performances of competitive sportsmen.

Adele Wong – Sport Dietitian / Nutritionist

Adele explained, Carbohydrates are one of the key nutrients in performance nutrition. Athletes engaged in high volume and high intensity training require adequate amounts of carbohydrates for energy. Based on current research, my experience working with athletes as well as being an athlete myself, it is clear that performance suffers when insufficient carbohydrates are consumed. Specific amounts will depend on the context of the athlete.”  Meanwhile another sport science expert also recommends that the daily carbohydrate intake for athletes range from 6-10 g/kg body weight.

“U.S. potatoes are an example of an excellent source of carbohydrates. They are rich in vitamin B6 and C, potassium, folate, fibre and antioxidants. They are extremely versatile and filling, making it a convenient source for athletes” she elaborated.

U.S. potatoes are recognised for its high quality.  This is due to the ideal growing temperatures, rich soil, state-of-the-art processing and generations of expertise.  All these factors make U.S. potatoes the finest in the world. Moreover, stringent U.S. industry standards that meet all the Food and Drug Administration and USDA specifications, ensure US Potatoes are safe and are of top-quality.

Cost-wise, U.S. potatoes can provide key nutrients at an affordable price.  A serving of potatoes (5.3 ounces) will only set you back around RM1.50.  In fact, potatoes have the highest score per ringgit on providing potassium, fibre, protein, vitamins C and E, calcium, iron and magnesium, beating out other vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots.  Potatoes continue to be one of the greatest values in the produce department.

-End-

Some quick facts about the potato power:

  • 620 Milligrams of Potassium: With more potassium than a medium-size banana, potatoes are perfect for aiding muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function during long endurance events.
  • 26 grams of carbohydrate – Potatoes are a nutrient-dense quality carbohydrate, important for optimal physical and mental performance as the primary fuel for your brain and a key source of energy for muscles. And, because your body’s own stores of carbohydrate are limited and may be depleted – even in a single session of intense and/or prolonged exercise– it’s important to replenish them.
  • 110 Calories for Energy: Easily digestible and more energy-dense than any other popular vegetables, potatoes are a good choice to fuel the demands of racing a marathon.
  • Check out these recipe ideas: https://www.potatogoodness.com/recipe-category/performance/

Details of 3 runner champions

  • Soh Wai Ching is the Fastest Towerrunner in Malaysia, 1st in Asia and 2nd in the World according to the Tower Running World Association.  He is an elite athlete with Sport Science Degree background and recently emerged the 10km champion in KL Standard Chartered Malaysia 2019.
  • Jeffrey Ross, a Scottish living in Malaysia is a Certified Revolution Running Coach, ranked number 1 Veteran Runner in Malaysia and the latest KL Standard Chartered Malaysia 2019 – 21km run champion. 
  • Tahira Najmunisaa M.Zaid is an ultra-marathon runner, Athlete and Champion of the Lumut Eco-challenge 2019

 

 

 

 

 

Legs/Hips stretch – Good for Acheiving Splits

Salam Sisters,

This is a quick 9 min stretch for the legs and hips.
Take advantage during Ramadan and do it when you can. It will help kick away any stagnant feelings in your muscles.
If you want better results, try to hold each pose for 30 sec to one minute. 

Let me know if you have any questions or if you want any specific workout videos.

Peace and Love
Nura

Use Code “Nura” for a 10% discount on any Nashata products <3 

RAMADAN TIPS : FIT & HEALTHY

Ramadan, already started on  May 6 in most countries this year (2019), is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It involves abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from dawn to sunset, in the hopes that it will lead to greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.

Benefits of fasting

Experts have also found that restricting food intake during the day can help prevent health problems such as high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity, as well as improve mental health and wellbeing. By not consuming any food, our body is able to concentrate on removing toxins, as we give the digestive system a rest.

Maintain healthy, nutritious & eating habits

 1. Never skip suhoor – Suhoor is important during Ramadan.  It helps your body stay hydrated and fueled up on energy and nutrients until iftar.

A well balanced meal suhoor contains : 

  • Complex carbohydrate – oats, wheat, grains and other complex carbohydrates are slow-releasing carbs, it helps keep your blood sugar steady and give you feeling fullness.
  • High Fibre food – High fiber food are digest slowly dates, apricot, prunes, vegetables, and fruits. Bananas are good in potassium that help your body hydrated.  
  • Protein – eggs, cheese, yoghurt or meat can replenish your energy.

2.  Cut down sugary and processed food – Avoid heavily processed food contains refined carbohydrates like sugar, and white flour as like normally Ramadan desserts. They are high in fat and low in nutriens.

3.  Break your fast slowly and don’t overindulge – Start with a few dates, and water than wait before your main meal.  Avoid heavy oil and fts in your meal. Make sure you consume plenty of vegetables and good portion of protein and enough carbohydrates.  Eat slowly so that your body can digest the food.

4.  Stay hydrated

Drink at least 8-12 cups of water a day ( 2-3 liter).  Drink plenty of fluids for hydration from the period of Iftar to the time of suhour.  Although juices and milk are sources of fluids, water is the best choice. You can consume other drinks in moderation but beware of sugary Ramadan drinks.

This is the tips how to drink (2-3 liter) in Ramadan.  1 glass = 250mil

1 glass – before suhour

1 glass – after suhour

2 glasses – break fasting (includes juice/ milk)

1 glass – after break fast

1 glass – after maghrib solah      

1 glass – after isya solah

1 glass – after terawih

1 glass – before go to bed

You can also drink in between the time as you need.

5.  Avoid Caffeinated drinks – Caffine such as coffee, tea and colas can stimulates faster water loss, leading dehydration.   

6.  Avoid deep frying – Try to avoid fried foods or those prepared with large quantities of oil.  It it cannot be avoided, reduce the quantities of oil. Alternative recommended oils to use are sunflower, canola and corn oil.  

 7.  Working out

If you can modify your training routine a bit, you will still be able to keep fit with a busy Ramadan  schedule. Try to time your workout so the ending coincides with iftar and you have enough time to shower and break your fast, so you aren’t waiting around totally dehydrated after your run.Take your average workout down a level to make it a little easier on your fasting body. Don’t do any extreme workouts, just something that gets your body moving.

20 Legs Workout – No Equipment Needed (Indoors or Outdoors)

Salam Sisters,

Here is a new video in the NO Equipment Series.
Today it No Equipment Legs Workout.
You can do som of these just sitting infront of the TV, literally!
All you need is your energy and some space.

How to use this video?
Pick 5 of the workouts in the video, repeat each move 10 to 15 times, then do 3 sets of all.

Workout Outfits Details: 

Sports Hijab:
– Hooda Hijab in Beige
– Raazglove in Black
– Mumtaz Lite sports Hijab in Maroon
– Amin Extended Sports Hijab in Maroon

Modest Sports Tops: 
– Ultra Top Galaxy Collection II in Beige
– Azza Topletic in Navy
– Azza Topletic in Black
– Azza Topletic in White

Leggings: 
– Fitness Leggings
– Dual Colored stirrup high waist
– High waist fitness in maroon
– Stirrup high Waist in Black

Use Code “NURA’ for 10% discount from Nashata.com 

Keep It Healthy
Nura

 

 

 

Jeri Villareal: The Hijabi Iron Woman

Jeri Villareal is a modest and committed triathlete from St. Louis, Missouri. Working in the Information Technology Service Lead, this incredible 41 year-old mother is also an urban farmer. Her races usually include three continuous and sequential endurance disciplines which are swimming, cycling and running or better known as triathlon.

Nashata team regularly received Jeri’s pictures on Instagram account, @nashatadotcom wearing Hooda Sports Hijab while competing in her triathlon events. After following her account @modestlytri.ing for some time we knew that she is one of the amazing sportswomen that could inspire people to live with passion. Let’s follow our interview to learn more about Jeri’s incredible journey.

N: Nashata
J: Jeri

“I hadn’t ridden a bike in over 20 years.”

N: Do you remember your first triathlon? Tell us how you became a triathlete.
J: My very first triathlon was a small local race. It consisted of a 300 yard pool swim, 20 mile bike and 4 mile run. My swim was somewhat slow but steady but I got on my bike and was able to pass a couple of people. Unfortunately, I missed the turn off and ended riding an additional 4 miles. I was so upset but ended up continuing on to the run and finish last. I learned to always review the course before the race. There is nothing worse than getting lost during a competition.

N: What inspires you to become a triathlete?
J: I first started running. Running was something that I never thought I would be any good at. However, I used it as a way to ward off depression that developed for me in the short days of the winter months. Running outside made me happy and in the cool months, my hijab was comfortable. It was a great fit. I found that the more I ran, the better I became and I progressed from running in my neighbourhood, to running a 5K then 10K and half marathons. One day a friend of my family asked me if I had ever considered triathlon. I told her I hadn’t ridden a bike in over 20 years. However she told me that if she could compete at age 60, surely I could compete. I took up the challenge and learned to ride a bike and worked on my swim stroke. 7 months later, I competed in my first triathlon.

N: Where do you usually train?
J: I train at my local gym and also I created a workout room in my basement so there is no excuse for missing my training. I have a treadmill, a bike trainer, rowing machine, resistance bands and weights.

N: Did you have a coach when you first participate in your first triathlon event?
J: At the time of my first event. I did not have a coach. However, I did get a coach soon afterwards.

N: How different is it to train by yourself and with a coach for the event?
J: It is so helpful to train with a coach because they can see the small things that you do that could cause injury or they can make changes to your form so that you are more effective. Also they can give you specific exercises or workout to help improve your particular limitation to help your reach your personal goals quickly.

N: Which is the hardest part of triathlon?
J: For me, it’s open water swim. Especially in a lake. It make me a bit anxious when all I see is darkness in the water. I learned to overcome that fear by swimming in the pool with my eyes closed and only open my eyes when taking a breath. That exercise helps me relax once I get into the murky waters of a lake.

N: How do you tackled getting out of a wetsuit quickly? Is it an issue for a hijabis triathlete?
J: While many triathlons have “wetsuit strippers”, kind volunteers that will assist you in getting out of your wetsuit quickly. I avoid their help with the wetsuit. Their good intentions could result in uncovering more than of your body than you would want. I use a two-piece wetsuit consisting of pants with bibs and then a wetsuit top that goes over that. When I was exiting the water, I can unzip and remove the top without concern of revealing anything and I take the bib straps off of my shoulders. By the time I get to transition, I just have to roll down the pants and slip them over my feet. To me, the two-piece wetsuit is not only easy to get in and out of, it also is less constricting over your chest which can be helpful for those that feel chest constriction with traditional wetsuits.

“The hijab that has truly given me so much freedom in my life.”

N: As a Muslim triathlete who wears a hijab, have you ever experienced bitter moments where people would be prejudice about your religion? Do share your story with us.
J: The triathlon community is a very kind one in general. However I think a very well-meaning woman made a comment that she has seen me at several triathlons and she always “felt sorry for me” because I seems so uncomfortable. I didn’t even know how to respond. The last thing I expected was anyone to pity me for the chose that I made as a Muslim woman to wear hijab. The hijab that has truly given me so much freedom in my life. The comment sat with me for a long time and it really did affect me. I feel sorry for her that she didn’t understand the beauty of hijab.

“A quick conversation upfront can keep you from having a frustrating conversation with race officials on race day.”

N: What is your advice to the other Muslim women who are participating in triathlon event?
J: Speak to the race director to ensure that they are aware that will be competing fully covered. There are sometimes rules about how much of your body you can cover. A quick conversation upfront can keep you from having a frustrating conversation with race officials on race day. You do not need to ask “permission” to practice your religion. This conversation is simply to educate those that may not understand why they can’t write your race number on your leg or your arm. Or why you must cover your legs and arms during the swim when wetsuits are not allowed.

N: When is your upcoming event?
A: I just finished Ironman Cartagena 70.3 on December 3rd. That was my last event of the year. In 2018, I look forward to the local St. Louis Triathlon Olympic distance occurring in May. Later in the summer there is Ironman Steelhead 70.3 and Ironman Brazil 70.3

N: How is your diet like today? Was it different with what you usually have before being a triathlete?
J: Today I follow a fairly paleo diet. I enjoy eating lots of vegetables, some low-sugar fruits, meats and healthy fats but only consume ancient and sprouted grains sparingly me. Sweets are my weakness and I avoid sugar while training for a race. I usually tighten my diet 8 weeks from race day. Before becoming a triathlete I ate so much sugar. It was in everything and I didn’t even realize it. I was always a lover of green leafy vegetables though.

N: Describe the training process for a triathlon. How did you prepare–both mentally and physically?
J: Training for a triathlon means training for 3 sports. Additionally, as an athlete over 40 years old, it is vital to incorporate recovery into my schedule. I have 2-3 weekly swim workouts, 2-3 run workouts and 2-3 bike workouts. One of the workout will be either a speed or strength building workout like hill training or interval speed work. Also one of the workout will be endurance-based like a long run (5+ miles), a long bike (20+ miles) or a straight swim (2,000+ yards). I also do yoga twice per week for recovery and weight training twice per week.
During a heavy training load, 10 hours or more a week, I tend to get deep tissue massages. I also have tried alternative recovery techniques to combat inflammation such as cryotherapy and relaxing in an infrared sauna.

“I wear my Nashata Hooda Sports hijab while biking and running. It is thin and lightweight while keeping me dry.”

N: What do you wear for your triathlon event? Do you prepare specific sports gear for each of the activities?
J: I wear what is called a triathlon kit, which is a one-piece outfit with short-sleeves and shorts. The bottom of this kit includes a thin, waterproof pad for additional comfort on the bike. Under the kit, I have leg coolers and Nashata arm coolers. Each piece is designed for air-flow and a cooling effect. These extra pieces also provide coverage for modesty as well. Outside of the water, I put on a skirt for additional modesty while biking and running.
In the water, I wear polarized, prescription goggles. My vision is poor and these goggles are a lifesaver. While they come in clear and smoke lenses, the smoke lenses are my choice because they keep the sun and glare out my eyes when swimming.
I have bike shoes that have cleats on the bottom to connect my feet to my special bicycle pedals. This allows me to apply for force at a faster rate without fear that my feet will fly off of the pedals. My bike helmet is an extremely lightweight, aerodynamic helmet which is designed for speed and performance.
I wear my Nashata Hooda Sports hijab while biking and running. It is thin and lightweight while keeping me dry. The airflow is perfect for me on the bike because I am usually still wet from the swim.

N: We’ve seen you wearing Hooda Sports Hijab in your Instagram posts. Tell us your favourite Nashata wear.
A: Just one? Honestly, I love all of the options that Nashata provides! However I think Hooda is my favorite because of its practicality. It is also lightweight, quick-drying and provides wonderful airflow. These are all things that are vital to making a triathlete comfortable.

“In Arizona, Colorado, and North Carolina, you can practice bike skills such as climbing and descending on the bike.”

N: Where would you suggest new triathletes to go for a practice in The United States? Tell us the nicest spots you’ve ever been to.
A: There are so many options for practicing and building your skills in many areas of the United States. In Arizona, Colorado, and North Carolina, you can practice bike skills such as climbing and descending on the bike. This is usually a skill that is built with a lot of practice. The locations have long inclines for triathletes to build their climbing endurance. In Florida, there is an immersive swimming technique class for triathletes that can get them ready for open water swim by practicing certain techniques in the pool. Areas like southern Texas, Florida and California are great locations for triathletes in the rest of the country to practice in the very late or early season due to their mild winters. When it’s snowing in December in Missouri, I can swim outdoors in Orlando, Florida.

“I tried to leave every Colombian I met with a good impression of Muslims, Islam and Muslim women in sports.”

N: Have you ever participated a triathlon in a different country? What was it like?
A: December 3rd, I travelled to Cartagena, Colombia to compete in a Half Ironman. The experience was absolutely amazing. Arriving in the country I immediately noticed that people were very curious about me. They took photos of me and requested that I be in photos with them. The children that watched the race were very fascinated with me and called out to me specifically to cheer me on and told me that they loved me and referred to me as “Aunty”. As a Muslim woman competing in hijab in a foreign and predominantly Christian country, I know I am an ambassador for all Muslims whether I want to be or not. It is an honour that I take very seriously and I tried to leave every Colombian I met with a good impression of Muslims, Islam and Muslim women in sports.

N: What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about triathlon?
J: The challenge of triathlon is so great. I enjoy that fact that there are so many facets to the race. You can have an excellent swim and a difficult bike and turn everything around while running. There are people that are good at all three sports or some that find they excel in one particular sport over the other two. Regardless of your level of skill you will never participate in a triathlon and not hear a perfect stranger cheer for you and say encouraging words. When triathletes see someone struggling, that is they cheer for them the loudest. This sport is kind.

N: What is your advice to the new triathletes?
J: Remember that you don’t have to be better than anyone on the course, just be the best version of yourself. Be better than yesterday and keep moving forward.

N: What do you wish for in the future?
J: I would like to work on improving my swim and run times and work on my climbing skills. I believe I can be a better version of myself and look forward to seeing her very soon.

N: We wish you the best of luck in life! Thank you so much for agreeing to do the interview with us. We gained a lot of information from your wonderful experiences.
J: Thank you so much!

Sometimes we are too busy competing with other people that we overlook what’s truly important, to be the best version of ourselves. Be better than yesterday and keep moving forward. Thank you Jeri for the wonderful reminder!

Weight Loss – Tips for Dieters

Weight loss journey is more of a mental challenge. Being mentally prepared is key that will help you stick to your journey on the long run and adapt to a healthier lifestyle.

Here are some tips that you need to tap into to make your weight loss journey manageable:

  • Think of your self as a think healthy person. Skip all the negative thoughts about feeling that you don’t deserve to be in this journey or how will you achieve your goals.
  • Eat health food that will feed your body not the food that will feed the fat.
  • Avoid dinning outside at least the first two weeks of starting your journey. This will help you to tap into a healthier lifestyle.
  • Plan meals ahead of time. This will help you to avoid dinning outside and will get you prepared.
  • When eating, eat slow, as you are sitting down and chew your food well.