subject: Why your diet when running doesn't have to be boring [print this page] Why your diet when running doesn't have to be boring
Running is a great way to stay in shape, but you shouldn't treat exercise as a chore. Even if you've taken up running for the purpose of losing weight, denying yourself all of your favourite foods in the name of health isn't strictly necessary. While you may enjoy great benefits from following carb-heavy diets prescribed by nutritionists, you don't have to stick to these plans religiously.
Despite what some sports nutritionists may claim, especially those trying to sell books on the subject, there's no such thing as a specialised diet for runners. In fact, it's generally recommended that people who frequently engage in exercise like running follow roughly the same diet recommended for everyone - high in carbohydrates, low in fat and with a sufficient amount of protein. You should also be especially wary of controversial plans such as the Atkins diet, which recommends less carbohydrates than your body will require for energy.
Nevertheless, just because you're embracing carbohydrates doesn't mean you have to eat pasta, potatoes, bread or rice for every meal - though there is a recorded phenomenon of runners developing a stronger taste for these staple foodstuffs the more they exercise and demand the energy. Be aware that carbohydrates also include sweeter options such as sugary items, which should be consumed carefully to avoid hitting the 'sugar low' that can affect your performance after the initial energy boost. Obtaining your carbs from natural sugars, such as fruits, is recommended over refined carbohydrate foodstuffs, such as sweets and donuts - it's called junk food for a reason.
You shouldn't worry too much about trimming all the fat from your diet when following a good running nutrition plan either, as a little fat is necessary for storing energy. Unsaturated fats in particular can have considerable health benefits, as found in olive oil and other oils that lower blood cholesterol. Saturated fats are the worst offenders however, as found in full fat milk and red meat.
Balancing your protein intake can be important too, with the old adage that high protein equals high energy now largely being a thing of the past. If you take too much protein, such as in the form of supplements, you could add to your body fat and even risk damaging your liver or kidneys. You're much safer taking your protein from natural sources, such as fish, poultry and white meat, or the vegetarian options of egg whites, low fat cheese and low fat milk.
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
