Over the next few weeks we aim to bring you a variety of healthy eating plans – from one for the hardened competitor/sports person, the fitness fanatics, the ‘I need to lose weight fast’ or ‘I need to gain weight’ and not forgetting the non carnivorous of us on the planet the Vegetarians and Vegans to those just wanting to eat healthy and maintain their lifestyle.

So keep your eyes peeled here and in the meantime here are some very simple rules to follow for the sportsperson.

Eating a healthy balanced diet will provide you with all the nutrients you need to take part in kickboxing or indeed any sport or activity of your choice. This means eating a wide variety of foods.

The best way to get the most from your training is to:

- be the right weight for your height

– drink plenty of fluids

– eat enough carbohydrate to keep your body sustained during exercise

– eat plenty of wholegrain, fruit and veg and moderate amounts of milk, yoghurt and cheese, lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts and pulses (beans, lentils etc)

-  eat enough food for your level of activity. If you eat too little then you won't be able to keep up your exercise levels and you will feel fatigued.

If you eat well, sleep well and exercise regularly there is no reason you can’t fulfil the goals you set out for yourself.

Many day-to-day foods are now fortified with vitamins and minerals, particularly orange juice and cereal but if you feel that you are not eating a balanced diet then it is best to obtain a good multi vitamin but these do not replace a good diet and should only be taken as a supplement.

Meals timing around workouts are crucial and just as important as what you eat that’s if are interested in maintaining energy. The first couple of hours following exercise, muscles refuel their glycogen stores up to twice as fast as normal therefore it is important to eat the right carbohydrate-containing foods as soon as possible after your exercise.

Healthy eating plans to follow.