Ever heard the phrase, ?garbage in, garbage out?? Those words apply even more to competitive endurance athletes, who require an even greater supply of vitamins and minerals to maintain optimum health and performance. A runner can't subsist on pasta alone, although a modest serving of the dish, preferably using whole wheat or some other whole grain variety, topped with cooked tomatoes and an ample supply of other fresh vegetables would do an athlete proud. In general, runners should focus on foods high in vitamins C and E, antioxidants, calcium, and iron. Why? Iron is a key component in the blood system, while calcium is important for bone health?an especially crucial mineral for women. Antioxidants help rid the body of free radicals, nasty little guys that destroy cell membranes and contribute to decreased immunity and increased muscle soreness. Endurance exercise increases the amount of free radicals our body produces. However, antioxidants, vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, help remove free radicals from the blood during and after exercise. Most antioxidants and vitamins can be found in raw fruits and vegetables; which, combined with a diet of whole grains and lean protein, can help you run stronger, longer, and with and with an easier recovery time.
Eat Well to Run Well
Posted by Heather J.
Ever heard the phrase, ?garbage in, garbage out?? Those words apply even more to competitive endurance athletes, who require an even greater supply of vitamins and minerals to maintain optimum health and performance. A runner can't subsist on pasta alone, although a modest serving of the dish, preferably using whole wheat or some other whole grain variety, topped with cooked tomatoes and an ample supply of other fresh vegetables would do an athlete proud. In general, runners should focus on foods high in vitamins C and E, antioxidants, calcium, and iron. Why? Iron is a key component in the blood system, while calcium is important for bone health?an especially crucial mineral for women. Antioxidants help rid the body of free radicals, nasty little guys that destroy cell membranes and contribute to decreased immunity and increased muscle soreness. Endurance exercise increases the amount of free radicals our body produces. However, antioxidants, vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, help remove free radicals from the blood during and after exercise. Most antioxidants and vitamins can be found in raw fruits and vegetables; which, combined with a diet of whole grains and lean protein, can help you run stronger, longer, and with and with an easier recovery time.