What I Eat

The title of this post is a bit misleading. I eat a whole lot of stuff, and there are some food items that I absolutely will not eat (peas, I'm looking at you). However, there are some things I eat and avoid eating when it comes to running. Most running websites and magazines have devoted hundreds of articles regarding what runners should eat for optimal performance. I tend to agree with a lot of the items but as much as I love a banana, I don't consider it the miracle drug that most runners do. Below is a list of the foods and beverages I can't live without for pre/post run.

Water - I was an H20 fan before running, but now I love it more than ever. Staying hydrated is essential to having productive, fun, and all around enjoyable runs! I try to get anywhere between 60-80 ounces a day.

Bread - This includes items closely related such as bagels and English muffins. I love it moist or toasted, whole wheat or white, breakfast, noon, and night. I am a big fan of carbs (never could understand that Atkins nonsense) so for me, bread is the mother ship. 95% of the time I stick to whole wheat but I have never passed up a fresh baguette! Plus, as a runner you get a chance to use up all that carb energy before it turns into glucose.

Chocolate Milk - I never really needed a reason to love chocolate milk. Despite my moderate intolerance for lactose, I have always loved a nice cold glass of the brown stuff. It brings me back to my childhood - I remember my dad making a glass for me and for himself as a treat. Now I know that chocolate milk is a great postrun snack! The calcium, protein, and carbs help your body recover faster and stronger. I mix up some syrup with 8 ounces of fat free organic milk after a long run. I especially like the choc milk option because I usually do not have an appetite after working out.

Pretzels - This is another item that I've always been a fan of. My mom always made sure we had pretzels in the house. I think part of it was pretzels were a healthier alternative to potato chips, plus she really loved some salty pretzels! I have inherited her love for salt as well as her surprisingly low blood pressure (YES!). Since I'm a very salty sweater (my dogs love licking my legs after a workout) this salty snack curbs my salt cravings. Plus they're low in fat, inexpensive, and travel well.

Peanut Butter - I have recently switched to natural peanut butter and although it took some getting used to, I am so glad I made the change. PB is a great source of protein but without the grease or preservatives that accompany a lot of meat.

Pasta - Although a huge pasta carb load before a race is a running urban legend, pasta still ranks among my favorite running meals. However, I never eat it with tomato sauce before running - the acid in the tomatoes gives me heartburn if I run.

Some foods that I avoid within an hour before running include:

Yogurt - Great any other item, but the dairy kills my belly during a run, and I end up with the trots :(

Meat/Eggs - I try to avoid meat and eggs right before lacing up and leaving. The protein makes me feel heavy and lethargic.

Fruit - Again, more GI problems.

All this food talk is making me hungry - time for dinner!