. Important building blocks in a runner's diet are salt, potassium and magnesium, so when they are lacking a runner is prone to calf cramps. Leg cramps occur at night because we don't drink water or top up our electrolytes in our sleep.What's the cure? Gentle

you stomach?4. Which pre-race meals can you tolerate that give you the biggest boost?5. How much can you drink without liquid sloshing around in your stomach?6. Do salt tablets prevent hyponatraemia for you, or do they dehydrate you?7. Can you tolerate

for enabling your body to convert fat into energy.33 Splash on reduced-salt soy sauce to shed the pounds. Research shows that soy proteins interact with the receptors in our brains that tell us we're full.34 Wait before helping yourself to seconds. It takes 20

in the holidays and this period can do serious damage to your balanced diet. "The weather can drive an athlete to reach for comfort foods, which are usually high in fat, sugar and salt," says Seebohar. "This is usually triggered when blood sugar levels drop so

common cause of drag in the water and drag will increase if one part of your body is out of line with the rest of it. Wearing a wetsuit or swimming in salt water will increase your buoyancy and should help your legs float higher. However, don't allow

preventing the need for more oil.Shake It, Don’t Bake ItTo cut back on salt, don’t add it to food during cooking. Instead shake it on when the plate reaches the table. Research shows that people given totally unsalted food – but a free hand with the shaker

. Stick with acetaminophen (paracetamol) instead. While it does not inhibit those nasty prostaglandins, it will reduce some of the discomfort.Tip from the trenches: “When I eat more fruit, vegetables and grains and cut back on sugar, fat, salt and caffeine

vision. On top of all this, you can munch away to your heart's content as carrots are naturally low in calories, fat, saturates and salt.Cook: For a healthy approach to mid-afternoon munchies, try raw carrot sticks on their own or dunked into dips

Yes, runners sweat a lot. Yes, they need to consume water, sugar and electrolytes (ionised salts in blood, tissue and cells) when they run for 90 minutes or more, particularly in warm weather. But unless you're training for a marathon this spring

for one minute. Add two very finely sliced Jerusalem artichokes and stir-fry for a further minute or two. Season with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice - and tuck in.Buy: Jerusalem artichokes are widely available in farmers' markets