Run goals. We all have them, right? Body goals. We all have those too. Yet, how often do those two sets of goals meet each other? Our guess is probably not enough. If we aren’t careful it can feel like all our goals exist in a silo (which is what can make them so hard to achieve). Well, we are here to help with that.
Remember, this month is all about mindful eating. And one of the components of mindful eating is eating for your goals. Now, before you get to thinking this is a weight loss post, let us explain. Eating for your goals is NOT the same as eating to lose weight. Eating for your goals is exactly what it sounds like. Its taking a long hard look at what you want to do with your body, and then making sure that what you put into your body is conducive to that/those task(s). Now on a small scale, we all understand this. It’s the reason why the streets of every race are littered with GU packets, Shot Blocks, and Gatorade Prime.
Indeed, during race day we are all hyper aware of what it is going to take to get us to the finish line. But what about before the race? How many of us feed our bodies and muscles what they need on a daily basis so that they can serve us in the long run?
Today, we challenge you to take a moment and contemplate that, and once you do, make a consistent plan on how to execute it. A few tips are:
Long Runs: Distance runners are best advised to eat for endurance. Here, you should be thinking about consuming foods that are sure to give you long term energy. Think complex carbs, leafy greens, and plenty of water. Steer clear of foods or drinks that are high in sugar content because they will likely lead to the dreaded “sugar crash,” before your run is up.
Best food to eat for long runs: bananas, rice, apple sauce or dry toast (adding nut butter for protein).
Short Runs: Faster and shorter runs are more about staying hydrated than anything else. Since you won’t be running that long, you will likely be running faster—so make sure you drink your water. Also, the higher intensity runs give us a just a (bit) more leeway on some of our favorite moderately sweet fruits and veggies!
Best food to eat for short runs: oranges, watermelon, bananas and yogurt!
Most importantly ladies, remember your body is what YOU make it. Just like you create your goals in the image of the life you want, you can do the same with your body---by virtue of what you put in it, and what you do with it!
Ready. Set. Go!
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1 Response
Sreeraj M Ajay
June 24, 2017
All sound fitness advice and much of it I use myself. Dr. Campbell advised the same in his book The China Study. Focus on whole, plant based, seasonal foods (he supports vegetarianism). My twist is to allow animal based proteins especially if sourced locally and raised holistically. Easy for me since I pasture raise chickens for eggs and a neighbor has pasture raised meat birds.
Sreeraj M Ajay
June 24, 2017
All sound fitness advice and much of it I use myself. Dr. Campbell advised the same in his book The China Study. Focus on whole, plant based, seasonal foods (he supports vegetarianism). My twist is to allow animal based proteins especially if sourced locally and raised holistically. Easy for me since I pasture raise chickens for eggs and a neighbor has pasture raised meat birds.