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2 years ago

Dear Ashitha M K, Thank you for the question

Women may experience unusual vaginal spotting or bleeding between periods sometime due to multiple reasons such as intense exercises, vigorous activities, infections, injuries, nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions that may require medical assistance. If you have just started a really strenuous exercise routine your body might reflect this through spotting. The same holds true if you have just finished a particularly vigorous round of exercises,
Spotting is just one of the ways your body is telling you that it is unaccustomed to the additional stress and physical activity of the exercise. The added stress from the exercise can dislodge blood from the endometrial lining of the cervix.
For further assistance and management please contact your gynaecologist and health care professional.

It is very important to follow a healthy balanced diet to fulfil all nutritional requirements and reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies. When on a specific exercise regimen or intense workout routine your body is forced to rob itself of nutrients like fat, protein and carbohydrates.

WHO has given different BMI (Body mass index) classifications to categorise adults into different weight categories. BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height. It can be considered as a 2nd level indicator of overall health.
It can be calculated using a simple formula of BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m²)
Following is the WHO BMI Classification
18.5 to 24.9 - Normal
Less than 18.5 - Underweight
25 to 29 - Overweight
Above 30 - Obese

As a general dietary guideline, for an apparently healthy individual with no specific health or nutrition needs and/or metabolic condition it is recommended to consume 2000kcal/d. Protein intake should ideally be considered as 0.8-1g per kg body weight per day.

Here are few guidelines that can be considered for nutrition management during workouts

Pre-workout –the role of nutrition is fuelling
• Carbohydrates are the preferential fuel for general exercise sources of carbohydrates are whole wheat, millets, multigrain, wheat bran, oats etc.
• Low fat and moderate protein should be consumed to reduce gastric disturbances
• Good Pre-workout food options include oatmeal, whole grains, fruits such as banana, apple etc coupled with dry fruits.
• Always start your workouts well hydrated.

During Workout- The role of nutrition is performance
• For shorter period of exercise carbohydrate intake is not necessary
• For longer periods consuming carbohydrate rich snacks like energy bars, sports drinks can prevent fatigue and delay hunger.
• During exercise water should be consumed every 15-20minutes to avoid early fatigue.

Post- workout – the role of nutrition is recovery
• Consuming protein is necessary to help gain recovery and prevent muscle loss
• Carbohydrates should be recovered to restore glycogen
• Post workout food options include egg whites, paneer, curd, fruits, smoothies, lean meat etc
• Rehydration with water or electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride help maintain electrolyte balance blood pressure of the body

It is very important to be well hydrated when beginning your workout.
Do contact your fitness expert do discuss your protein needs as per your exercise routine. It is recommended to practice regular workouts and exercise under professional guidance.

Here are few guidelines for healthy balanced diet that can be considered:
-Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
- Try to incorporate the My plate Concept by dividing your plate into 4 quadrants, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, the other two quadrants with cereals and protein. A small quantity of dairy intake is recommendable.
-Begin your day with a well-balanced breakfast as it is an important meal of the day.
-Avoid skipping meals. Also, try to avoid fasting and feasting too often.
- Consume small frequent meals, with healthy snacking options.
-Consume minimum 5 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit as they are rich in Fiber, essential minerals & Vitamins as well as they give you a feeling of satiety.
-Try to consume more of Whole grains and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.
-Limit intake of deep-fried foods. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
-Have your last meal at least 1-2 hours before sleep time.
-Drink adequate amount of water (minimum 8 glasses) of water daily to keep yourself well hydrated.
-Try and follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and Quality.
- Engage in light to moderate physical activity for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions and needs, please contact your Registered dietitian or your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.
Wishing you a great day ahead

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