The Best Foods for a Runner’s Peak Performance
If you love running, as a pastime or as a participant in running events, then you should realize that you need proper diet to improve your speed, endurance, and overall performance. Here are some of the best foods that you should take as a runner who joins competitions.
Your needed energy boost can be attained by eating bananas. The nutrients found in bananas help long distance runner with their endurance. They are full of carbohydrates and a bit of protein and ideal to eat before a race. The best thing about bananas is their high potassium content which replenishes the potassium you lose as you sweat while running.
Running is a high impact activity and in order to fight inflammation you need to eat fish. In particular, salmon is rich with healthy omega 3 fats and high amounts of protein which is perfect for training. You have to be careful in buying salmon because some contain high levels of mercury and other toxins; the best one to buy are those caught In the wild or those that are sustainably farmed.
You will need a store of carbohydrates which you can get in pasta. If you eat carb, you can maintain your energy levels. Whole grain pasta is the best to provide the needed carbohydrates and vitamins.
Broccoli has a lot of nutrients which make it ideal for runners. Broccoli contains vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, and vitamin K. If you don’t want your muscles to be sore after a run, take lots of broccoli. This is also ideal to achieve peak performance. Eat broccoli together with pasta and salmon for best results.
Your body need calcium and protein which you can find in yogurt. Greek yogurt contains live cultures which make them the best yogurt. These are healthy bacteria that help in the functioning of your digestive tract. And if you have joint pains, then this is ideal for their anti inflammatory properties.
Nuts provide essential vitamins that are not found in other foods. They contain vitamin E which is an antioxidant. Almonds is the best nut to take to increase your level of vitamin intake. Almonds can be combined with your salads and pasta.
If you don’t want your muscles to get sore while running then you should eat a lot of fruits. The best fruits that runners should take are oranges. An antioxidant good for your health is vitamin C which is found in large amounts in oranges. You can prevent muscle soreness and have limber legs if you eat a lot of oranges.
Leafy greens are also sources of antioxidants and many types of vitamins. It also helps prevent and heal muscle damage resulting from strenuous workouts.
Whole grain breads have better quality carbohydrates that will give you much nutrients to your body.
Protein is important for runners for repairing muscle damage experienced during high intensity workouts. Chicken and beef are the best sources of protein.