The Most Important Food For Runners

More And More Runners Rely On Grains, Fruits And Vegetables As Their Primary Fuel Sources All The Way Up To Elites Such As Ultra- Running Legend Scott Jurek. Even Runners Who Dont Want To Give Up Burgers And Steaks Will Find That Ramping Up Their Plant Intake Can Help Them Run Strong And Recover Right. Here Are A Few Easy Ways To Make The Most Of Plants.

- Heather Mayer Irvine

1. Eat All The Colours.

A rainbow of produce provides all the nutrients you need. For example, the orange in vegetables such as carrots and butternut means there are high levels of beta-carotene, which ultimately becomes vitamin A – an immunity and eye-health booster. Bright colours also indicate that the food is rich in antioxidants, which can fight Alzheimer’s and heart disease. And studies suggest that when the pigments in produce interact with each other, it maximises the health benefits.

2. Choose the right carbs.

In general, runners should consume 50 to 65 per cent of their kilojoules in the form of carbohydrates – the higher your mileage, the higher your percentage. This doesn’t mean all pasta, all the time. You’ll find quality carbs in grains such as quinoa and rice, in potatoes, and yes, in veggies. And eat whole grains, which are almost always the best choice compared with refined grains such as white four, because nutritious B vitamins, iron, magnesium, selenium, and fibre are stripped during the refining process.

3. Be smart about fat.