The Runner’s Lounge went with a Nutrition Theme this week – Love it, love it. For Take it and Run Thursday – we’re talkin Food! ……
“Runners version of Eat This Not That …..what foods you have cut out
or reduced because they don’t help your running??”
Running and training got me really thinking about different foods. I’m finally starting to get a little more creative, and actually willing to step out of the box. A degree in Nutrition may have taught me a few things, but some old habits die hard. Or, they don’t seem like such “great” habits after a few bad running experiences!
These are a few swaps I’ve made in the last year, after mini epiphanies that one food may or may not do much for me:
Low-fat Yogurtinstead ofFat-free pudding:
I still love chocolate pudding, I just don’t need it as a snack every day. It’s mostly sugar, and then some fake sugar. There might be a little calcium thrown in there, but nothing compared to yogurt. Plus, yogurt adds protein to the mix.
SouthBeach barinstead of a plain-ol’ granola bar:
No, there’s nothing “wrong” with a granola bar. But, there just isn’t much in there. Some carbs, sure. But 100 calories of oats, sweeteners, and maybe some chocolate chips usually doesn’t fill me up. The SB are a little bit more expensive, with more protein and nutrients; a little more ‘bang for your buck.
I’m also a big fan of LUNA and CLIF bars! They act as my pre-run snack. I’ve tried a variety of things, and these work the best every time.
Oatmeal topper: Peanut butterinstead ofmaple syrup
I started pb-oatmeal in the morning a few months ago; I’m completely addicted! And convinced this is a hard breakfast to beat. I buy Quaker’s “Weight Control: Maple & Brown Sugar” oatmeal for the 7g protein and 7g of fiber. Add in 1 tbsp of peanut butter – more protein and some healthy fats – and you’ve got one full happy stomach. With the mix of protein and carbs this is a Great post-workout breakfast. If you like peanut butter, trust me, you’ll love this.
******
Other things I do every day to keep those nutrients comin’…..
*fruit with lunch – canned pineapple, fresh apples/bananas/oranges
*glass of Skim milk with breakfast (After the run! not before….that’s not fun)
*yogurt for “dessert” – with a handful of crispy cereal and sometimes topped with chocolate syrup (depends on the flavor. don’t try this with Peach, it wasn’t tasty)
*side salad with dinner – with fresh veggies & light dressing
*whole wheat bagels – when I’m training I go through a bag of these like it’s my job. I love them.
Don’t forget to switch it up. Eating the same things every day means you’re getting the same Nutrients every day; you might be missing something in there! I’m a habitual person; this is an obstacle for me sometimes. But then I experiment and make something Amazingggg, and think “Ah, yessss.”
*****
The Runner’s Lounge went with a Nutrition Theme this week – Love it, love it. For Take it and Run Thursday – we’re talkin Food! ……
“Runners version of Eat This Not That …..what foods you have cut out
or reduced because they don’t help your running??”
Running and training got me really thinking about different foods. I’m finally starting to get a little more creative, and actually willing to step out of the box. A degree in Nutrition may have taught me a few things, but some old habits die hard. Or, they don’t seem like such “great” habits after a few bad running experiences!
These are a few swaps I’ve made in the last year, after mini epiphanies that one food may or may not do much for me:
Low-fat Yogurtinstead ofFat-free pudding:
I still love chocolate pudding, I just don’t need it as a snack every day. It’s mostly sugar, and then some fake sugar. There might be a little calcium thrown in there, but nothing compared to yogurt. Plus, yogurt adds protein to the mix.
SouthBeach barinstead of a plain-ol’ granola bar:
No, there’s nothing “wrong” with a granola bar. But, there just isn’t much in there. Some carbs, sure. But 100 calories of oats, sweeteners, and maybe some chocolate chips usually doesn’t fill me up. The SB are a little bit more expensive, with more protein and nutrients; a little more ‘bang for your buck.
I’m also a big fan of LUNA and CLIF bars! They act as my pre-run snack. I’ve tried a variety of things, and these work the best every time.
Oatmeal topper: Peanut butterinstead ofmaple syrup
I started pb-oatmeal in the morning a few months ago; I’m completely addicted! And convinced this is a hard breakfast to beat. I buy Quaker’s “Weight Control: Maple & Brown Sugar” oatmeal for the 7g protein and 7g of fiber. Add in 1 tbsp of peanut butter – more protein and some healthy fats – and you’ve got one full happy stomach. With the mix of protein and carbs this is a Great post-workout breakfast. If you like peanut butter, trust me, you’ll love this.
******
Other things I do every day to keep those nutrients comin’…..
*fruit with lunch – canned pineapple, fresh apples/bananas/oranges
*glass of Skim milk with breakfast (After the run! not before….that’s not fun)
*yogurt for “dessert” – with a handful of crispy cereal and sometimes topped with chocolate syrup (depends on the flavor. don’t try this with Peach, it wasn’t tasty)
*side salad with dinner – with fresh veggies & light dressing
*whole wheat bagels – when I’m training I go through a bag of these like it’s my job. I love them.
Don’t forget to switch it up. Eating the same things every day means you’re getting the same Nutrients every day; you might be missing something in there! I’m a habitual person; this is an obstacle for me sometimes. But then I experiment and make something Amazingggg, and think “Ah, yessss.”
*****