Guest Post - Get a Head Start: Foods to Eat Before Running

Good  morning!  Ina and I are a little busy today.  (The morning started with her spewing right into my eyeball.  The day can only go up from here, right?) So I thought I would take this opportunity to publish a guest post from a reader.  The topic is something I should pay a little more attention to, especially when I start to train for my next long race.

I hope you all have a fabulous Friday and a great weekend!

--------------------------------

There are those who run for the fun of it, those who run for the competition, and those who run to win. I didn’t always enjoy running but after having joined the track team when I was in high school (ages ago!) I soon realized I truly enjoy running. Something about pushing myself to the limit and seeing what I am capable of really gets me going! But that’s me, regardless of why you run it is important to eat right beforehand.

Consuming the wrong foods too soon before running can result in a less than desirable experience and may cause you to avoid running altogether. When it comes to diet and exercise there’s also a lot of misinformation out there. This is partly due to the fact that people are always trying to stay on top of the latest fads and research, so any misinformation can spread like wild fire. That being said, here are a few simple things to remember before running.

Foods You Should Eat

The best foods to eat before running are foods that are easy for your body to digest, contain a
lot of carbohydrates (energy), are low in fiber, and do not cause excessive gas. The right foods
to eat are:

Refined Carbs – These carbohydrates are low in fiber and a quick, easy way for your body to
receive energy. Foods like:

• white rice
• white bread
• cereals
• grits
• applesauce

Fruits and Veggies – Fruits and vegetables that are low in fiber make for a great pre-run snack.
Fruits to consider are:

• Cantaloupes
• Apricots
• Nectarines
• Pineapples
• Plums
• Peaches

Vegetables to consider:

• raw celery
• raw romaine lettuce
• tomatoes
• raw cabbage
• raw broccoli
• canned beats

Peeling fresh fruits and vegetables lowers the fiber content even more.

Foods to Avoid

If it wasn’t obvious above you’ll want to avoid any foods that are high in fiber or high in fat. Although fruits are a great source of pre-race energy certain fruits like apples, melons, and pears can cause excess gas and discomfort while running. To be at the top of your game and get the most from your run try to consume little to no caffeine before running. For some people consuming caffeine before running may seem necessary, but for others it can cause stomach
issues including cramps and diarrhea.

For more information check out this great article by Discovery Health

About the Author:

Trisha Jefford has worked a variety of jobs across the food service industry from waiting tables to being a
personal chef. Trisha currently produces food related content for EZ Cater, a site that specializes
in finding local catering or the perfect corporate caterer.