Post-workout nutrition
On Saturday, my running club had a little potluck after our 8.5-mile run (leading up to the Carlsbad Half Marathon next weekend). Since I knew most people would bring carbs (and unhealthy ones at that), I brought a bag of cashews!
Well I was right on the money. Everyone brought some form of carb- bananas, lots of bagels, DONUTS, muffins, little cakes, gatorade…it was an insulin increase party! My cashews were actually a big hit, so I think some people were able to slow down their insulin release (and inflammatory response in the body).
I ended up grabbing a half a bagel and slathering it with yummy strawberry cream cheese. Definitely not the meal of champions, but much healthier than most of my other options. When I got home later I ate a real breakfast of goat’s milk yogurt, protein powder, and cashews!
Protein IS important after a workout, particularly a challenging one (like most of my runs these days!). The myth of carb loading and post-workout carbs goes on…but if you are desiring of a fit and healthy body, you are much better off with a balance of protein, fat, and carbs than to join the crowd and negate the positive effects of the workout you just did!
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Rahim on Mon, 18th Jan 2010 8:53 pm
I think this is where a lot of people go wrong when it comes to re-energizing and re-building the body. People either don’t know or care that nutrition after the workout is just as important as nutrition before the workout. It can make or hinder your progress.
Lea Crosetti on Tue, 19th Jan 2010 5:25 pm
Hey Kevin! Great to hear other athletes are picking up on the importance of balanced eating (rather than the infamous carb-loading) in order to achieve metabolic efficiency. Good luck to you on your up coming race!!
Lea Crosetti, RD
http://www.FoodCoachForYou.com
Kevin on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 5:22 pm
Hey Lea,
Thanks, it’s good to hear from you! I just got the rundown from my running group coach on what we should be eating this week leading up to our Sunday race: “Lots of pasta, bagels, cereal, bread…all the carbs you can eat until you are feeling bloated and even sick.” He literally said this. Sad state of affairs the sports nutrition world is in currently! Keep up with getting the word out and we’ll do the same over here!