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Nutrition Tips for Runners

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Nutrition Tips for Runners

Energy requirement differs from person to person and those that are physically active demands higher energy than an average person. Runners, in particular require a balance nutrition to keep their energy up and to avoid any stress-related injuries. Conscientious runners strive for a well-balanced diet, but even for them, there is always a possibility of missing out on key nutrients. Here are several nutrition tips that can help in improving performance and recovery:

Mix things up during meal time
Eating same foods every day can be boring, thus try to mix up different food choices. Pasta has always been a staple in every runner’s diet, but there are other interesting choices for runners such as rice, beans, …show more content…

It also helps in releasing energy into the bloodstream at a slower rate that provides sustained energy throughout the run. Carbohydrates also aid in muscle recovery, which lowers the risk of muscle-related injuries. Good sources of complex carbohydrates include whole grain bread and pasta, high-fiber cereal, vegetables, beans, lentils, quinoa and barley.
Protein - Runners often focused on consuming carbohydrates, thus they often forget their need for protein. This essential nutrient aids in both tendon and muscle tissue repair, which is usually damaged during training. Protein can be found in certain food such fish, poultry, lean meat, beans, low-fat milk, egg whites and soy foods.
Glucose - Drinks containing glucose are best consumed within 15 minutes after workout. During this period, the muscles are more receptive in packing up fuel. It is also absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, which accelerates the recovery and rehydration process.
Water - Proper hydration is essential in keeping the body systems in good working condition. Water should be the main source of fluid for the body, especially before long runs. You can try alternating it with sports drinks during and after long runs. Avoid caffeine and alcohol because it can cause further dehydration. Herbal teas and fruit juices can be counted as fluids, but make sure that water is consumed evenly throughout the day.
Fats - It is healthier to obtain fat calories from

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