Do runners have different diets, and do they follow a unique diet plan? The answer to this question is NO. It is a massive misconception that runners follow another type of diet that enhances their performance and boosts the energy. However, there is nothing such as specialized Runner’s Diet.
On the other hand, runners follow the diet plan that is good for all. But what makes us think that runners have a different diet than regular people? Statistics show that Americans fail miserably when it comes to maintaining a diet. They go off track now and then. Compared to that, runners strictly follow the guideline of any diet that is good for them.
If you have stepped into the world of running and you want to know the basics about runner’s diet, then this article is just for you.
As a matter of fact, you do not have to memorize the guidelines and objectives of a healthy diet. Instead, all you need to do is, remember the golden rules of dieting for runners.
Here are you go!!
Eat foods made from seeds
Why is seed so special? Seed foods such as, beans, whole grains, and nuts contain some essential nutrients that are necessary for the growth of a plant. As a result, these seed-based foods contain health-boosting compounds.
These foods not only contain traditional nutrients, but there are even packed with bioactive compounds as well. You will find ferulic acid and phenolic acid, which acts as antioxidants.
Do not remove the skin from the plant foods
Keep your peeler aside. Starting from apple to potatoes, the outer skin of the plant foods protect them from the harmful UV rays, parasites, and any other invaders. Moreover, this skin contains a wide range of phytochemicals that will even protect your health as well.
For instance, grape skin is filled with a high amount of resveratrol. On the other hand, onion skins contain quercetin. Both of the compounds lower the risk of heart disease, prostate, and colon cancer, and even enhances the immunity as well.
Eat colorful fruits and veggies
What do the colors have to do with nutrients? You might have already heard that fruits and vegetables are good for health. It contains essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for fueling up your running. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables even contain calories as well, which are useful for maintaining body weight.
But if you want to get the most out of fruits and vegetables then go of the colored ones. Green, red, orange, purple, blue, and any other available shades. Interestingly, there are more than 400 pigments present and each pigment has its own benefits.
Seafood is very important
There are unique combinations of nutrients present in fish and other seafoods. These nutrients are essential for every runner. It is interesting to note that seafood contains a high amount of protein, zinc, copper, and chromium.
As a matter of fact, you cannot acquire the right amount of their nutrients from any plant-based foods. On the other hand, seafood contains omega-3 fats, and this is an essential nutrient which is highly necessary for runners.
You do not have to follow a strict diet, while your main goal is to be a runner. Whereas following these simple rules can take you a long way. Keep in mind that along with a proper diet plan, you should even practice hard to reach your destination. A path of a runner might seem hard at the very beginning, but remember that “It is the hard routes that lead to beautiful destinations.”
