I caved.
I ran eight miles and didn’t pack enough for lunch. Not only did I cave on the Spending Zero Challenge, I also compromised my healthy eating habits by spending $2.14 on fast food.
The thing no one tells you about running is it gives you an insatiable appetite. I personally feel that’s why you see so many runners that are overweight. The calories you burn running don’t necessarily compensate for your crazy appetite later.
When I signed up for the Disney Marathon I was glad it was over eight months before my wedding. Running schedules don’t allow for a lot of cross training, and I’m not always the best at not giving in to my crazy hunger. Although logically I know I’ve eaten enough, I usually keep snacking.
Luckily being a dietitian I know how to prevent unwanted weight gain. For any runners looking to get their weight down I recommend not ignoring your hunger, but instead being very picky about what goes into your body.
After a long hard run it’s super tempting to grab a large cheeseburger to refuel, but that’s not necessarily what your body needs. One thing I commonly notice among runners and other athletes is too much focus on protein and not enough focus on fruits and vegetables. Protein is important, but unless you work out hard five or more hours a day most days a week, protein shouldn’t take over your diet.
My personal diet includes eating plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, chia seeds (my favorite is Mila), quinoa, beans, and organic eggs. I eat minimal meat, dairy, and gluten and can always tell a huge difference when I add in foods that aren’t the best for me. Stay tuned to future posts for healthy tips, whether you run or are just interested in improving your health!
Until next time,
Kaycee
