OK, so my pizza, gummi bear, & beer diet probably is not the best. But isn't that the reason I run? It's surely the reason I can't get rid of the lovehandles!
I had an e-mail the other day from one of the Half Wits asking about nutrition advice. I KNOW there are some smart folks out there (Joe, Jill, Debi, Tim, Kris?) who know more about nutrition and running than me.
Here's a part of the e-mail:
Is it possible that sometime in the future, you can address what we should be eating? I have tried to read up on this, and I am confused about how much carbs, what kind of carbs, protein, etc. Do you think since I am extending my distance, I should evaluate my diet? I don't know if other inexperience runners are confused about this as I am.
So, Half Wits, what's your advice?
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3 comments:
I have come across a good article which outlines nutrition and hydration needs for runners.
The story can be found at:
http://running.about.com/od/nutrition/a/nutrition101.htm
I have found you really want to watch what you eat the day before a race or long run. A big Cafe Brio dinner before your 1/2 marathon is not the best idea. Believe me!
Manageable portions and a balanced diet is the key. And pay attention to your body. If you are hungry, then eat. Just don't overdo it.
I also am not a big believer in fad diets (i.e. the Atkins Diet). As runners, I think we need carbs, we need protein, just be smart with what you eat.
OK, I am no expert, but this is what I have learned. You need all food groups. You need to be hydrated EVERYDAY. We neglect this in the Winter, but it is very important. I feel my best and run my best, when I eat right everyday. Runners typical overestimate the calories they burn and underestimate the calories they take in. I really try to watch what I eat 2-3 days before a race. For a 1/2 marathon, I am careful all week. First, drink a lot of water everyday (if you are getting up in the middle of the night you are doing just fine) I try to eat whole grain, fruits, vegatables, protein(salmon, cottage cheese, egg beaters, peanut butter and yogurt) The night before I eat alot of the above. The morning of the race, wake-up at least 2 hours before you want to be there and you want to be at the race about an hour before the start. I drink water up until 1 1/2 before the race, then just sips. Eat some protein and carbs about 2 hours before the race. A good choice is egg beaters, yogurt or peanut butter. You don't want anything heavy on your stomach. I KNOW my diet is no fun...but I get to eat MORE and I feel alot better. Junk food really does make you feel worse. I hope you get to hear from the REAL experts--HEAR THAT JILL AND JOE???????
Well, I have a degree in dietetics/nutrition but following what I learned is another story.
I believe in the wine, hard candy, diet mountain dew, pizza diet. After getting my degree, I found that I was obsessed with fat/calories of every food I ate. That got really old. So, I decided to try to unlearn (and chose a different career path) alot of the information. I think runners can tend to get overly obsessed with their diet.
Now, I just try to eat low fat, but if I want sausage on my pizza, I'm going to have it! I drink tons of water (but that's more for my skin). Life is much more enjoyable when you treat yourself for all those miles you have logged.
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