She runs fast and eats s l o w. Just like Olympian Shalane Flanagan, we’re keen on learning all the details on how to eat in a way that both nurtures and satisfies our bodies and our cravings. Flanagan knows that athletes both amateur and novice alike, benefit from proper nutrition as a means to heal, energize and recover. Want to improve your running? Here’s what’s on her plate.
About how many calories do you consume in a day to fuel your workouts? I don't count calories. I focus my attention on fresh high quality foods to fuel my body and the training demands.
How has your diet helped improve your training and performance? When I moved up to the marathon, I realized I needed to take my diet more seriously to meet the physical demands of 100+ miles a week. By incorporating more fresh fruits, veggies, and healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, butter, and whole-milk yogurts I found my energy and recovery increase.
A day in the life of eating:
- Breakfast: In my cookbook, I have my race-day oats, which includes: Irish oats, banana, whole milk, nuts, berries and honey.
- Lunch: A hearty grain salad with a protein like eggs, chicken, fish or steak. My favorite from my cookbook is the Recovery quinoa salad --- kale, quinoa, olive oil, lime, black beans, feta, peppers, onion, cilantro -- is crave worthy!
- Dinner: Sweet potato salmon cakes with avocado cream sauce paired with grilled veggies or a salad.
Fuel for workout: HOTSHOT and homemade energy bites.
What food would you NEVER eat? Certain raw fish....like chewy squid
One thing ALWAYS in my fridge is: Eggs and butter :)
#1 Cheat meal is: Burger, fries, beer!
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