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Dirk Baelus is a former top triathlete and founder of the sports nutrition brand Innerme, which stands for natural, plant-based and organic sports nutrition. We talk about the power of natural ingredients and about balance in life.
About Dirk Baelus
Dirk is a professional triathlete, author of 2 books and founder of the sports nutrition brand Innerme. Early in his triathlon career, after facing numerous health problems, Dirk took a completely different path. He went firmly for natural nutrition. This turnaround brought him more energy, more vitality, better recovery and less illness. Dirk shares his story.
Innerme, a strong brand with a strong story
Inspired by his natural lifestyle, Dirk started experimenting with natural nutrition for sport, as an alternative to classic sports nutrition. He began with an energy bar made from powerful, natural and organic ingredients. Energy gels, sports drinks, recovery products and more followed, along with 2 classic, more nutritious snacks. The result is a complete range of products that are easy to digest and require little energy from the body to absorb.
More nutritious snacks added to the range
Alongside its sports products, Innerme has also added 2 more nutritious snacks to its range. One based on oats and one based on superfoods. Two very accessible products made from seeds, nuts, pips, berries, oats, buckwheat, cocoa and more. Powerful ingredients packed with essential nutrients, ideal for eating between main meals — whether you're into sport or simply a bit less active.
Dirk deliberately chose buckwheat as an ingredient. "It's a rarely used product with a really strengthening effect," Dirk says.
Just like us, Innerme strictly avoids refined sugars. As an alternative, Dirk deliberately chose agave and rice syrup — two syrups, each with a different effect on the body. Rice syrup consists of glucose and maltose, so no fructose. Agave syrup, on the other hand, does contain fructose and has a low glycaemic index. This means the syrup is processed and released slowly by the body, avoiding spikes in blood sugar.
Anyone who's physically and mentally active burns calories. It's best to replenish those calories with nutritious ones — food or snacks rich in nutrients, with the right healthy fats and fibre, which also help you feel satisfied. "When you reach for less nutritious food, the body has to draw on its own minerals to digest it. Not only does that food offer no real value, it also drains the body by using up valuable substances," Dirk explains.
Balance in life
According to Dirk, everything in life should be in balance. Even if you're not actively thinking about balance, your body will still strive to find an equilibrium between "too much" and "not enough". So alternate intense training or work with plenty of rest and time to relax.
Tips
Dirk feels more energetic and recovers better by not eating in the evening after his last meal. Another tip we can share: everyone is different. So it's important to find out for yourself what works and what doesn't. If you notice a positive effect, it'll naturally become a habit and second nature.
Good luck!