Thursday, April 7, 2011

Snacks Pre-Track

by
Foodie Fish

Well it is spring time, and in case you

didn’t know that means time for track in my case. The down side of track, however, is that you are hungry more often and have to worry about getting cramps on your run. Luckily, here are some of the perfect snack and breakfast ideas for right before your run:

1.) Yogurt coated almonds: This is a personal favorite of mine. I am addicted to these babies. They also just happen to be a terrific snack before you go on a 5 mile run. Almonds are packed with vitamin E, which is good for your eyes, and protein as well. As you may know, protein is very important for an athlete since it is essential for muscle development. Another provider of protein here is the yogurt. Not only is a sweet creamy layer that completely covers the almond adding to both texture and flavor, but it is also really good for you. It adds on to the energy intake, the amount of protein, and contains calcium as well. Certain exercises increase bone density, making getting calcium all the more important here.

2.) Odwalla/Cliff bars: I run on nutrition bars. Get the big, flavorful, part-organic bars such as Odwalla or Cliff. Odwalla bars contain no refined sugars, but plenty of flavor. The strawberry pomegranate one tastes like a smoothie. Odwalla bars are also a good source of antioxidants and beta-carotene. Cliff bars now come in great flavors such as carrot cake and white chocolate macadamia nut. Carrot cake tastes just like delicious cake batter, but it is also nourishing. It also has many vitamins, fiber, and protein. The white chocolate macadamia nut, along with many other types of Cliff bars, tastes just like a cookie. A great treat that won’t slow you down.

3.) Soymilk: I always start my day with a glass of milk. But Saturday mornings right before track practice just isn’t the right time. That is when I resort to soymilk. It is a little more filling since it has so much protein and tastes great on its own. It also doesn’t give you cramps!

4.) Banana: Potassium so important for your joint. It helps them operate more smoothly, so you don’t have to feel as though you have arthritis. Bananas are also one of the few foods that you can eat right before you run since they actually prevent cramps as opposed to causing them.

5.) Chocolate: Okay, so don’t start nagging me about sweets making you hyper and are not very healthy. Things that make you happy and boost your mood are automatically healthy. After all, 90% of illnesses are stress related. Chocolate is also one of the best sources of antioxidants. It happens to be good for both the heart and brain as well. I eat it because it gives me enough energy to keep going long and strong on 8-mile runs without filling up my stomach and giving me cramps.

No comments:

Post a Comment