Acclimate, Not Accumulate In The Open Water

By Steven Munatones of Open Water Source

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California, February 20. WE occasionally hear of open water swimmers who want to gain weight for their upcoming marathon swim or channel swim. They talk about eating ice cream, peanut butter and donuts before going to bed or throughout the day. They aim to put on enough bioprene in order to withstand the cold water expected in swims like the English Channel.

In contrast to the strategy of gaining bioprene, we encourage athletes to acclimate – not accumulate.

That is, spend your time acclimating to the expected conditions of your upcoming swim rather than focusing on accumulating calories and kilograms on your body. It will be a much healthier trade-off, especially in the long-term and after your swim is over when losing the additional weight will be harder than imagined.

Nutrition is a huge component of successful athletic preparation. Proper nutrition for open water swimmers ranges from adequate replenishment after a hard or long workout to understanding exactly what your body needs and how foods taste during a marathon swim. But using a channel swim as a reason to gain excessive weight is a short-term strategy with long-term implications.

So instead of that eating that admittedly deliciously tasting banana split before bed, try one of Dr Oz's healthy alternatives. Rather than 3 large scoops of ice cream smothered in chocolate sauce and covered in whipped cream, try the Doctor Oz Sinless Watermelon Split. It is an outstanding alternative, especially for men and women in their middle ages. Dr Oz replaced the chocolate, strawberry and vanilla scoops of ice cream with watermelon and Greek yogurt.

Dr Oz Sinless Watermelon Split ingredients include:

– 2 bananas
– 3 scoops of watermelon
– 3 dollops of vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed
– Low-fat granola
– Dark chocolate chips

To make this admittedly delicious alternative banana split:

1. Cut the bananas in half and place into serving bowls.
2. Top the banana halves with 3 large watermelon scoops.
3. Put a generous scoop of Greek yogurt on top.
4. Sprinkle your favorite toppings over the whole dessert. Dr Oz suggests things like blueberries, ground flaxseed, dark chocolate chips and low-fat granola.try one of Dr Oz's healthy alternatives.

Another healthful alternative was developed by Kristin Kirkpatrick and Jim Perko Sr.: Banana Creamers (see photo above). To make 16 slices, take 1 banana, 3 oz. dark chocolate and a 1/2 teaspoon of instant Espresso.

Slice the banana into 16 slices. Skewer each slice with two prong skewers, place on wax paper and freeze for 1 hour. Create double boiler by placing metal bowel over saucepan with one inch of simmering water. Add chocolate, espresso coffee and stir continually until 3/4 melted. Remove the bowl from the heat and continue stirring until completely melted. Take the banana slices from the freezer and dip in chocolate until they are completely coated, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off. Place on wax paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve.

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