5 Fitness Instructors Reveal Their Easy Healthy Eating Hacks

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Their bodies are their biggest asset as wellness professionals, so that means turning to healthy fats, lean proteins, and energy-boosting meals whether they’re at home or between busting a sweat in their classes. But it’s not all Kale salads, salmon, and protein bars – although there is a lot of that – there’s also some amazing detox drinks and foods that we never knew would do our bodies so much good! Here are some of the awesome ingredients these spinning, yoga, boxing, and HIIT trainers turn to when it comes to eating right.

Probiotic drink: Kombucha

A Master Cycologist at Cyc Fitness, spinning instructor Elena Koshivaki-Hasbun teaches more than 25 rides per week, and since you can burn up to 800 calories in a 45-minute class, she constantly needs to refuel and hydrate to feel good. As well as eating clean throughout the day, her trick is a Chinese probiotic drink, “I drink a Kombucha every night — ginger berry is my favorite — because it helps with regulating digestion and curbs cravings.” The fermented drink has healthy bacteria that line your digestive tract and support your immune system; the live cultures can destroy bad bacteria that cause infections. It’s also packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and enzymes, and it’s even said to support your cardiovascular system.

Protein-rich breakfast

Exhale’s EVP of Mind-Body Programming, yoga coach Elisabeth Halfpapp believes that breakfast and lunch need to be your biggest meals of the day — especially when you’re cramming in as much yoga as this guru does. To start her day, Elisabeth eats two whole grain high-protein waffles, “I like the Kodiak Cakes with 12g protein, with a little organic butter and jam.” Considering on average we should consume 50 grams of protein a day, this is a great way to get your daily hit. “I also love apples, the pectin in apples is soothing for your voice for teaching, or any seasonal fruit juice for hydration.”

High-fat breakfast

Fhitting Room, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) instructor Lacee Lazoff’s daily food intake has a few distinct characteristics: high fat, high fiber fruits and vegetables, humanely produced meat and fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, and beans. Lacee goes as high fat as possible to start the day and for lunch, balances carbs and protein for energy, and avoids sugar.

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“For breakfast, I’ll have black coffee at home (or an almond milk au lait on the go) and half an avocado and green smoothie.” Because avocados contain 10 grams of unsaturated fats, they’re one of the healthiest ways to get your daily dose of fats. “I’ve also been adding coconut milk-based collagen to my coffee from Vital Proteins and love it — it gives a boost of plant protein and bovine collagen is an excellent supplement for skin, hair, and nail health.” (See why we love collagen so much here).

Detox water: Sakara

Creator of Erika Bloom Method Pilates, instructor Erika Bloom prefers eating a fruit and vegetable-based diet supplemented with fish, nuts, and seeds, with the occasional lean protein or gluten-free grain. “Mid-morning I make a smoothie consisting of protein, spinach, mango, avocado, kale, and matcha, because it’s rich in fiber, chlorophyll, and vitamins, so it helps boost the metabolism, burn calories, and naturally detoxifies the body.

Later on, I’ll probably drink a Kombucha and some nuts and dark chocolate, which is high in antioxidants and helps improve cognitive function mid-day.” So it’s official, dark chocolate is good for you! “I also drink Sakara detox water before bed, which has chlorophyll to help reduce inflammation, oxygenate the blood, and can also bind up mercury, heavy metals, and pesticides to cleanse the body.” Sakara’s Detox Water is the most convenient way to detox on the go: The tiny bottles pack a powerful concentrate of amazing ingredients that will turn any glass of water — with just a few drops — into an insanely good-for-your-body health elixir.

Ginger tea

Boxing trainer at Rumble Boxing in NYC, Beth Gold teaches a total body workout (with dope music blasting) and turns to healthy breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and plenty of noodles to stay pumped and fueled. “Since I don’t like to eat too much too early in the game, I stick to two hard boiled eggs or a banana for breakfast, coupled with some home-made ginger tea to get my system moving and voice warmed up.” Ginger tea has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and boasts high levels of amino acids and vitamin C, calcium and trace elements — it helps with digestion, can aid your body in absorbing nutrients from food and even weight loss.

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“I like to keep dinner light and home-cooked since ya girl will be getting to bed shortly after I eat. I steer clear of anything too heavy, so I’ll bake either a piece of salmon (seasoned with garlic, OVOO, dill, and garlic) or chicken with a side of zoodles, broccoli, or asparagus. Ending my day with ginger tea to help digest and maybe a cookie or some ice cream because #TreatYoSelf!”

Protein Paleo bars

Founder of Elements Fitness, dance guru Andrea Fornarola has built a huge celeb following around her popular trademarked dance formula (Kelly Ripa, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Christy Turlington are fans), which incorporates high-energy techniques and core building exercises. So she needs healthy food options to turn to throughout her jam-packed day.

“I start the day with a cup of espresso and an RXBAR that I need as I run from client to client. They’re amazing sources of protein and carbs that give me the energy I need to teach multiple sessions in a row.” The high-protein Paleo bars are made with egg whites, dates, nuts and berries – they’re basically a meal in a bar! “I also drink 16 oz. of water (half a liter), as it’s extremely important to stay hydrated.”

“For dinner, I love salmon and tuna sushi. It’s a great late-day meal as it’s lower in calories but packed with protein and flavor, to help my body recover and replace electrolytes as well as satisfy my tastes buds. I just avoid the soy sauce and just use wasabi paste instead.”