• Food Groups

    The importance of eating a well balanced diet is even greater when you are training 40+ miles per week.  If you fuel your body with poor sources of foods, you will end up performing at a lower level.  Each food group is important and here are some of the best options within each:
    Carboydrates:
    Grains:
    Reason for eating: excellent source of carbohydrate and provides B vitamins that are essential to energy production.  Grains are a great source of fiber which can help alleviate the GI stresses of running.
    Sources:
    Choose whole grains — these have the least processing and provide the most nutrients
    Whole wheat
    Oatmeal
    Cream of wheat
    Rye
    Spelt
    Quinoa
    Millet
    Amaranth
    Fruits:
    Reason for eating: provides antioxidants for repair after training, great source of water besides drinking fluids
    Sources: in descending order from the best choice
    Fresh
    Frozen
    Dried
    Canned
    Power house fruits: blueberries, banana, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, watermelon
    Vegetables
    Reason for eating: great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  Vegetables add bulk to meals which can be great in weight management.
    Sources: All vegetables are great but these are some of the best (think darker = more nutrient rich)
    Spinach
    Dark salad green mixes
    Sweet potatoes
    White potato (different for runners than the average person)
    Broccoli
    Tomatoes
    Carrots
    Protein:
    Dairy:
    Reason for eating: great source of vegetarian protein and provides calcium and phosphorous. The calcium found in dairy foods is essential to keeping bones strong and preventing stress fractures.
    Sources:
    2% or lower fat milk
    Low fat yogurt
    2% or lower fat hard cheese
    Cottage cheese
    Meat:
    Reason for eating: essential to repair of muscles after training. Beans are a good source of fiber as well as carbohydrate, and red meat is a great source of heme iron which can prevent fatigue associated with anemia.
    Sources:
    Skinless chicken and turkey
    Salmon
    Tuna
    Lean beef
    Dark meat of turkey (iron)
    Vegetarian Sources:
    Beans (garbanzo, black, great northern, pinto, kidney)
    Peas
    Tofu
    Pea/soy, whey protein powder
    Nut butters (also considered a fat)
    Hummus
    Eggs
    Fats:
    Reason for eating: helps to meet energy needs of a training athlete. Fat is essential for the body to function as long as it is eaten in the right types and amounts.
    Sources:
    Olive, canola, vegetable oil
    Nuts and nut butters (almond, peanut butter, cashew)
    avocado
    fatty fish
    Avoid: All foods can be a part of a healthful diet when eaten in moderation but some should be limited to rare occasions and small servings:
    Butter
    Cream cheese
    Sour cream
    High fat processed meats (salami and pepperoni)
    Fried foods

    For a personalized nutrition plan, please contact Natalie Kretzer a registered dietitian and running enthusiast.  You can find a full list of Natalie’s services and read about her nutrition background by visiting: www.nutrition4thegoodlife.com.  Natalie loves running (3hrs0mins50secs for a marathon) and helping others enjoy it to the fullest with optimal fueling for training.  If you have questions about energy needs, weight gain/loss, supplements, meal planning, and performance enhancement through nutrition, this is the place to start!