Nutri Courses

Advisory

Chocolate

Chocolate is a popular food product made from cocoa beans, which are the fruit of the cacao tree. Cocoa beans are harvested, fermented, dried, roasted, and then pressed to extract cocoa butter and cocoa powder. These two components are then mixed with other ingredients, such as sugar, milk, and vanilla, to create chocolate. There are different types of chocolate, most commonly distinguished as dark, milk, and white chocolate, which vary according to their cocoa powder and cocoa butter content. It contains antioxidants that can help protect the body from cellular damage. Due to its phenylethylamine content, it can help improve mood. Chocolate often contains a higher sugar content, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Hello,
I would like to ask about meal choices before a race (road cycling). Are porridges with dried fruit or possibly dark chocolate a suitable option? Or should I choose something else? And given the difficulty, is it appropriate to use dietary supplements in this case?
Thank you

The concept of a pre-load meal should always be in alignment with a long-term nutritional plan. First, address the ratios of macronutrients (high-carbohydrate vs. low-carb diet); for a pre-load meal, also consider the choice of sweet vs. savory dishes (with regard to sodium intake). Following this approach will help determine suitable recipes.

If the dietary strategy for road cycling is based on a higher proportion of fats, then the composition of the last meal before exertion should reflect this. Porridge with fruit is typically a high-carbohydrate meal; however, by reducing the amount of porridge itself and adding a suitable fat source (nuts and seeds, or free forms of fats), this recipe shifts towards low-carb. The only remaining question is the sweet nature of the meal, which means a (relative) lack of sodium.

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.