Marathon Diet

A lot of people ask me how and what I eat when training for a marathon.  I figured I'd share my philosophy, which is in no way scientific or even a proven diet designed to make you thinner or faster.  I should probably have put a little asterisk next to the title and a footnote that says *created by a chubby marathoner that LOVES her ice cream!

I have 7 rules on eating while training.  They are as follows...

1. I ran 30+ miles this week, but that doesn't mean I can eat whatever I want in any quantity available.

It is easy fall into the trap of "I worked out today, I deserve this Big Mac and Super Sized fries".  Especially because the training will make you more hungry than usual.  In fact, the only time in my life that I felt a stronger hunger as consistently was when I was pregnant.  If I'm feeling hunger pangs come on I usually try to start with a glass of water.  Sometimes I'm actually dehydrated and my body interprets that as hunger.  If that doesn't work its best to eat raw fruit or veggies.  I am often guilty for going for a piece of cheese to snack on.  I can't seem to get enough cheese while I'm training.  Whether its an apple or cheese (or even fries) try to only eat small portions until you feel full.

2. Don't stock your house with craving food.

For me craving food is anything sweet or chocolate.  For my husband it salty stuff like pork rinds and potato chips.  In our house the only time we have pork rinds (probably the most unhealthy food you could possibly eat) available is when Sam does the grocery shopping.  If its not readily available you are less likely to eat it.  If you make a special trip for pork rinds than I don't have any advice for you.

3.Don't fear carbs.

We've all fallen into the low-carb fad at one point or another.  It is not time to start the South Beach diet while training for a race.  When we were kids my Dad used to ask my Mom to make us spaghetti or some other pasta before a sporting event.  He said it would give us energy.  He was right.  Your body stores carbs to be used as fuel when you're running or doing other cardiovascular activities.  Carbs are more easily converted to energy than fat or protein.  It is definitely necessary to get your carbs in before a long run, but you should probably opt for whole grain if available and take it easy on the cheese. Except of course if you're eating a bagel, which is also a good source of carbs.  It would be shameful to eat a bagel without cream cheese.

4. Green is good.

I seem to crave spinach while I'm training, which is a good thing.  It is good to eat green foods and even better to eat them raw.  I try to eat as many salads as I can bear during this time, though some sort of cheese always seems to sneak into the salad bowl.  I'm not a fan of white salad dressings but if its your favorite and the only way you can stand a salad I say a few drizzles can't hurt.

5. Save room for ice cream.

There really isn't any good reason to have this rule.  But I figure that for once in my life I don't have to feel guilty about my love of ice cream so I treat myself.  Sometimes I need my husband to give me a friendly reminder of Rule #1 if I start to treat myself too frequently.

6. Eat banana boats.

My mouth is actually watering thinking about eating a banana boat.  There is little that will satisfy your hunger after a long run like a banana boat.  It's very easy to make.  Here's the recipe.

Ingredients:
banana
1/2 c peanut butter
1 tbs honey
1/4 c granola

1. Soften the peanut butter and honey in the microwave. 20-30 seconds should be sufficient.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Peel the banana and coat it with the peanut butter mixture.
4. Sprinkle granola on all sides of the banana.
5. Set on wax paper and put in the fridge.
6. Eat immediately after running and be totally satisfied.

It's as good as it sounds and looks!

7. Eat right away.

Some studies show it is best to eat no more than 30 minutes after running to help replenish your body with energy and nutrients. If you've made a banana boat you have likely been thinking about it for the last five miles of your run and timing shouldn't be an issue.

Most races have a post-race party with food for the runners.  After we ran the Delaware marathon the pizza was cold, the ice cream sandwiches were melting and the beer was a bit watered down but my Dad, Sam and I all agreed that it might have been the best meal we've ever eaten.

These are the marathon diet rules I live by.  I used to try to diet to try to lose weight while running but it made me feel tired and hungry.  Now my primary goal with my nutrition is to make me feel strong and full of energy. Bon appetit!