As a runner, it’s so easy to think “It’s OK, I’m going to run today” and proceed to eat whatever I want. Which is pretty often ice cream, chocolate, brownies… and then I make myself sick. And is not definitely not healthy.
Another Mother Runner
OR it’s the OTHER extreme, and I eat tons when I really don’t need to be eating all that. One of my new years resolutions was to eat more veggies (which is hard to do with such a busy schedule), and I’ve been able to incorporate them into my daily routine, but I want to set higher goals than that (no, I’m not starting the Paleo diet… yet).
Cutting out white flour and sugar is about as lofty of the goals that I’ll setting this summer, while trying to run in the summer heat!
I’m in Virginia, and SERIOUSLY this humility is worse than usual (since I’d really know what usual is since this is my second May here!).
There are a few really important things to include in your diet is you are a woman running. The first and foremost thing you should be worrying about is your iron levels (this is the one I struggle with the most). This is vital in transporting oxygen through your bloodstream, as well as providing a key building block of muscle tissue. One thing I found interesting is that caffeinated products will counteract with your iron intake… so wait a couple hours after eating or taking your iron supplement.
The next important dietary need is calcium, (you know, all that stress on your bones in running). If you don’t drink milk, purchase calcium added products (soy dream, rice milk, orange juice).
Can’t believe I’m saying this, but the third most important thing to include is FAT, from nuts, olive oil, seeds, and avocado but stay away from saturated fats (which mainly come from animal products. ewww).
Notice the lack of white flour and sugar in this list? Yup. Need to cut those out!
Awesome list of foods adapted from Running For Fitness
I need to be more diligent in sticking to a healthier diet. It’s so easy to eat nothing during work and pig out on food when I get home on crappy foods. Thanks for the reminder!
I guess you’re supposed to eat most of your calories before 4pm, so I’m always munching away at work! It takes a lot of work to pack creative/healthy lunches, but I always feel better
)
(Ps. my coworkers think I eat constantly!
I also decided to eat more veggies this year. I have found that if I buy the baby carrots, and cut a head of broccoli or celery (among other veggies) just after I buy them and throw them in those little baggies, I am much more likely to grab them for a snack to bring to work with a small cup of ranch or hummus. It only takes like 10 minutes tops to cut and store and they last for a good 2 weeks so you can do more at one time.
That’s such a great plan
I throw spinach into a plastic container a couple times a week for a salad at work, which is great. Definitely going to do the baby carrots and hummus at work, it’s so good!
You are going to feel so GREAT giving up sugar! Check out the video I just posted from 60 Minutes on my blog – it’ll be some great motivation! Good luck! Jamie
Thanks friend, I’ll be sure to check it out
You are an inspiration to eat healthier and live simpler… thank you!
I’ve been revamping my diet over the last month or two because of all of the things you’ve written about here. I’ve been steadily cutting out animal products, weaning myself from sugar and amping up on veggies and healthy fats. I also just started taking iron supplements – it’s AMAZING how much you notice the impact of not having enough once you start running!
your post seriously made my day! I agree, it makes the biggest difference in the world if we are eating right while working out. I find if I’m eating crappy all the time, I’m not getting the nutrients to keep up a healthy workout!