7 Recipes Fit For A Runner's Diet (Slideshow)
Banana-Oat Energy Bars
"These DIY energy bars are guaranteed to taste way better than any bar that comes in a plastic wrapper- and they're made with ingredien ts you can actually pronounce. They're also filling and satisfying, making them a better on-the-go choice than your typical snack food. If you don't like walnuts or dried cranberries, substitute any nuts or dried fruit."
Double Vanilla French Toast
"With plenty of sweet vanilla flavor, this hearty, whole grain French toast is destined to become one of your weekend breakfast staples. It supplies all the nutrients needed for recovery after a long run, while satisfying that well-earned appetite."
Long-Run Cake
These gluten-free, mini cake loaves, created by Runner's World contributing pastry chef Gesine Bullock-Prado, contain no added oils or butter, yet stay incredibly moist thanks to applesauce and black beans (the latter of which also lends dense, fudgey texture). Without the frosting, the cake is ideal fuel for before a long run. Or, save them until after you run and spread them with the rich peanut butter-cream cheese frosting for a well-deserved treat.
Mediterranean Pizza with Smoked Ham
"Yes, you can enjoy pizza without it sabotaging your diet for the day- and, yes, it can even provide a health boost. Whole wheat pizza crust packs more fiber and B vitamins (which help a runner's body generate energy during workouts) than crust made with refined flour. Smoked ham is a leaner topping choice than bacon but still provides plenty of rich, meaty flavor."
Click Here For the Mediterranean Pizza with Smoked Ham Recipe
Spicy Fish Tacos with Pineapple Slaw
Grilling- rather than frying- the fish keeps these tacos healthful while providing plenty of lean protein. The sour cream and while marinade fives the fish a rich, spicy flavor that's balanced by the cool, slightly sweet slaw. If you prefer milder spice, use one-quarter of the canned peppers. Using half the can will give you a medium spice level. Look for canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the Latin food aisle at any grocery store.
Click Here For the Spicy Fish Tacos with Pineapple Slaw Recipe
Thai Beef and Snow Pea Stir Fry
This tasty carbohydrate-and-protein combo makes a perfect postworkout dinner to refuel depleted muscles. You can have this quick-and-easy stir-fry ready in less time than it takes to cook the noodles.
Bean and Vegetable Chili
This not-quite-vegetarian recipe – from Runner's World contributing food writer Mark Bittman – features lots of vegetables and fiber-rich beans, seasoned with a small amount of meat, which lends rich flavor while keeping the fat to a minimum. Use whatever beams you like, or add lentils, which break down and add meaty texture to the chili. Serve with brown rice, crackers, or whole grain bread.