Body Composition

[Zara]

Hi Bella,  I have started a few of the same IM events as you - finished every one way behind you!!  I have noticed over the last few years your body has become very lean, muscular and you look like a pure racing machine.  About 4 years ago I raced at the same IM (UK) as you and noticed you were a lot less lean and seemed to be quite a bit heavier.  I hope you dont take this as criticism, but it seems to me there has been quite a change in your body shape and weight.  I am unsure if this has impacted your results as for as long as I can remember you have been wining and achieving.  However I wonder if you can see a difference in your training and racing over these times and what changes have you made.  I myself am carrying a little excess - just had a baby though, but would like to get back to my leaner self and was wondering what worked for you?  Good luck this weekend at Lanzorote and thanks for being a clean racer and achieving....it gives us clean AGers hope!  

[BellaBayliss]

Hi Zara

ThankYou for your message and compliments

"body composition" is all part of the journey.  Especially for me.  For some people, ..getting "lean and mean" is easier than for others.  For me, over the years my weight has fluctuated as I learnt about myself and what works and does'nt work.
When I was "curvey Bella" as somebody described me on an article I happened to read!!! (from that IM UK you were talking about)  ...I had lost my way in my training, but since then I have found "my way" again, and I think that consists of enjoying training hard and being controlled with what I put in my mouth, ...consistantly and patiently over time.

I hope that is of some help..
all the best
Bella

[Zara]

Hi Bella, thanks for your reply and I hope my original post did not come across as rude - as clearly you in any shape and form I'd be happy with.  But was just a question.  In regards to your daily diet how do you eat?  Thanks again for your response and well done in Lanzorote..

[BellaBayliss]

Hi Zara

I think everyone is a bit different.  But for me to become leaner I like to be in a really good routine.  So I know when I will be eating and training. 
If I dont have a routine, I end up eating at differnet times, possibly getting really really hungry then eating too much or the wrong sort of thing in desperation.

I eat a well balanced diet.  I think it is important when you are doing a demanding sport that you fuel the body to allow it to train and race to the best of your ability.
However, I try to keep my portions on the smaller side rather than on the "American" type of size!!!
I eat as much natural stuff as possible, and steer away from the processed foods.  So fruit, vegetables and good meat.  At the right times, some bread, rice or pasta will do you good.  You just dont want to be having platefuls of the stuff every time you eat.

You said you have just had a baby, ..I am no expert!!  ..but you might not really need to rush to get lean yet.  i.e.  If you are still breast feeding, your body should probably be putting energy into that that thinking about getting lean for triathlon.

[DamienC]

I know this is going to sound a little crude, but I follow the advice of my vet, when we were discussing dog food.  She said that the best dog foods provide the least amount of stools.  This is because the body is programmed to absorb the best nutrients out of the food, and to toss the rest.  If the food isn't good, the dog has to eat more of it to get the required nutrients, resulting in weight gain, and more cleaning up for me. 

[BellaBayliss]

oh DamienC!!!!