Grace Clifford Prepares for Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon While Pregnant
The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is just around the corner, and LGFA star Grace Clifford is committed to her training, eagerly sharing her journey with her fans. As she gears up for the event set for June 1, she is currently three weeks into her training regimen while being nine months pregnant.
Grace has been vocal about adapting her nutrition as she prepares for the marathon. “People ask me, ‘How can you still be running and feeling good energy in your third trimester?'” Grace explains. “It’s about eating well and often, as well as having snacks on hand.” This assertive approach has allowed her to maintain her energy levels and stay active even during advanced pregnancy.
The Crucial Role of Nutrition
For Grace, nutrition has always been a pivotal aspect of her athletic career, and her current pregnancy status has heightened its importance. “When I was playing football, nutrition was a significant focus for me,” she notes. “I’ve found that fueling my body properly not only benefits my performance but also my overall well-being.” This mindset has driven her to prioritize a balanced diet that accommodates the unique needs of her pregnancy.
While Grace states she isn’t overly strict with her diet, she emphasizes balance. “Life is for living,” she asserts, validating her occasional indulgences. She aims to stick to a routine during the weekdays but treats herself on the weekends. This approach reflects her philosophy of not cutting out favorite foods but rather incorporating a variety of options to maintain a healthy equilibrium.
Hydration: A Key Factor
In addition to nutrition, hydration is another significant focus for Grace. “I’ve always made hydration a priority, though it doesn’t come naturally to me,” she shares. Her goal is to drink two 1.2-liter water bottles each day, ensuring that her body stays well-hydrated during training. Given the changes in her appetite due to pregnancy, she has adapted her eating schedule to coincide with her body’s needs, ensuring she consumes the right nutrients at the right times.
Caffeine: A Temporary Goodbye
Like many pregnant women, Grace has had to make some adjustments to her dietary habits, including limiting her caffeine intake. “I usually have just one coffee a day, and the rest of my warm drinks are decaf,” she shares, adapting her beloved routine in light of her pregnancy. This shift reflects her commitment to prioritizing her and her baby’s health without sacrificing the joy of enjoying her favorite beverages.
A Day in Grace’s Diet
Grace maintains an informed and flexible approach to her diet, ensuring it’s both balanced and satisfying. A typical day for her might start with overnight oats, a quick and nutritious breakfast packed with protein. Mid-morning snacks could include granola bars, followed by a varied lunch that might consist of soup or a bagel with cream cheese. For afternoon energy, she often opts for toast with jam, before enjoying a hearty dinner composed of traditional foods like potatoes, vegetables, and meat. Snapshotting this typical day illustrates how she balances her nutritional intake while staying attuned to her body’s needs.
Evening snacks frequently include cookies or biscuits with tea, showing that she cherishes small treats to round off her day. Grace is keen to listen to her body, emphasizing that feeling good is linked directly to what she consumes. “If I’ve got the balance right, I feel good,” she asserts, showcasing the pivotal role that nutrition plays in both her athletic performance and everyday life.
The Takeaway: Fueling Your Body for Performance
As Grace prepares for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, she reminds us of the importance of fueling our bodies correctly for physical activity. “Your body is like a car; you must fuel it with the right ingredients,” she advises. For those interested in sports or any demanding activities, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet that meets energy needs without heading into calorie-tracking territory. “If my body is hungry, I listen to it,” she emphasizes.
Grace’s journey continues as she shares her experiences in the lead-up to the marathon. This not only serves as an inspiration for future participants but also a reminder of the crucial role nutrition and hydration play in any training regimen. As she puts it, “If you’re training for an event like the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, having a balanced diet has always been important.”
If you’re interested in more tips about maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy or training for an event, consider checking out Vhi Verified for additional healthy eating habits.
