Fueling Your Body During Chicago Marathon Training: Healthy Food for Marathon Training
Are you finding it hard to maintain a healthy diet while preparing for a marathon? It's a common issue, and I totally get it. I'm a nutritionist, a runner, and a mom, and it's always a challenge to strike the right balance.
As I gear up for my first full marathon, I'd love to share my journey with you. I'm striving to replace the usual go-to marathon snacks and meals with healthier food for marathon training.
Often, marathoners focus solely on increasing their calorie intake without paying attention to the quality of the ingredients they're consuming. It's time we rethink this approach and prioritize both the quantity and quality of our food. Let's revolutionize the typical marathon diet!
Why I’m Running the Chicago Marathon
So, here's the thing. I'm OBSESSED with running. I've run half marathons in the past, but this will be my first FULL marathon. A full marathon is a different beast altogether, but I am so excited to take on this challenge!
What I'm not so thrilled about, however, is seeing how some marathoners fuel their bodies with toxic ingredients- Hi pop tarts, honey grams and ben and jerry's, right?? I'm not trying to shame, but I DO want to do better for my body, and I want to help others who want to fuel the clean and right way.
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Choosing the Right Snacks for Marathon Training
As a functional nutritionist, I'm doing things differently. I'm swapping out common marathon snacks with functional medicine approved snack and energizers for a healthier food for marathon training. Here are ten examples of how I'm doing it:
These electrolyte drink mixes are sugar-free and help replenish essential minerals lost during intense workouts. I can’t imagine training without these! I have it on automatic subscription through Amazon because I love them so much. I feel so much more energized when I drink these throughout the day!
2. Eating dates for energy
Dates are a natural source of quick, digestible sugars and fiber that can provide a sustained energy boost. Before my runs I like to eat a couple dates and if I’m feeling it, I’ll plop some organic peanut butter on it..delish! I LOVE these, organic Medjool dates, Joolies. Yes, you’ll want order an entire box during training. this is natures energy bars (aka natures energy food for marathon training)
3. Choosing the cleanest running gels that don't have harmful ingredients
Opt for brands like Huma Chia Energy Gel, which offers natural, organic ingredients and avoids artificial sweeteners and colorings.
4. Snacking on raw nuts and seeds
They are packed with healthy fats and protein that can help maintain energy levels and reduce hunger between meals. I buy the big packs off of Amazon and keep them in my fridge. I eat a handful a day. This also helps with inflammation during marathon training!
5. Incorporating avocados into meals
This superfood is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and various essential nutrients that can help fuel your body effectively.
6. Drinking green smoothies
A blend of leafy greens, fruits, and a protein source like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or clean protein powder such as Orgain, or Sunwarrior protein can make a nutrient-dense, easily digestible meal. This is a must food for marathon training to ensure you’re loading your body with calories AND nutrients.
7. Eating lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or tofu
Protein is essential for muscle recovery and growth, and these sources are low in saturated fat.
If you don’t have this running belt and water bottle yet, you need to get it ASAP! I’ve never been so passionate about specific running gear LOL.
8. Including whole grains in your diet
Foods like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain or sourdough bread provide sustained energy release due to their high fiber content.
9. Staying hydrated with coconut water
It's a natural, flavorful source of hydration that also provides key electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. If you haven't had Harmless Harvest coconut water….stock up your fridge and thank me later!
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Marathon training is a tough, comprehensive workout for both body and mind. It challenges our stamina, self-discipline, and mental strength. In this journey, nutrition plays a pivotal role that often gets ignored. We need to remember that the food for marathon training we consume acts as fuel for our body.
If we choose processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats, our bodies might respond by slowing down, lowering performance levels, or even leading to injuries. Not to mention, these food choices could trigger an energy crash, complicating our recovery and leading to burnout.
On the other hand, when we consciously opt for good-quality, nutrient-rich food for marathon training, we supply our bodies with the vitamins, minerals, and energy they require to perform well and recover quickly. Trust me, it's not just about training; it reflects in our everyday life too.
The healthier our food choices are, the better our bodies can cope with the stress of marathon training. This approach not only enhances performance but also helps avoid burnout symptoms.
As a mom and a functional nutritionist, my marathon training approach isn't just about eating more; it's about selecting the right foods to nourish my body, boost my performance, and aid in my recovery.
Your in-depth guide on how to make your meals healthier for improved cellular function and so you can support your body through training!
Download the New Ebook!
Are you ready to join me on this journey? Are you ready to prioritize your health and feel full of energy and life? If so, I invite you to download my new ebook, Easy Whole Food Swaps for healthier family meals. It's packed with practical strategies and delicious recipes that will help you integrate nutrient-dense foods into your daily meals.
Remember, we're in this together. Let's run this marathon called life in the healthiest way possible. Let's do this for ourselves, for our children, and for our future.
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