Diet?

Sorry to be a stir it up but I don't think there's such a thing as a standard or "right" runners' diet.  What matters is that you are getting enough calories to cover your workouts, that you get protein and carbs in preferably within 15-30 mins of hard sessions, and that you generally feel like you have moderate-high energy levels.  Remember there's also more to carbs than pasta as a couple of posts above have pointed out.  Pasta is the heaviest, stodgiest food around IMO and I never have it; rice etc. are less stodgy alternatives.  Try different diets and see what works for you.

strunner wrote (see)

Sorry to be a stir it up but I don't think there's such a thing as a standard or "right" runners' diet.  What matters is that you are getting enough calories to cover your workouts, that you get protein and carbs in preferably within 15-30 mins of hard sessions, and that you generally feel like you have moderate-high energy levels.  Remember there's also more to carbs than pasta as a couple of posts above have pointed out.  Pasta is the heaviest, stodgiest food around IMO and I never have it; rice etc. are less stodgy alternatives.  Try different diets and see what works for you.

strunner i agree with you that there is no "right diet" for runners. its become aparrent that some on these forums dont like living off pasta, fairenough, but some swear by it, like you i find rice a better alternative.

i`m a bit sceptical though about the whole 15-30min thing where your body absorbs extra carbs or whatever. i dont disbelieve that there is a benefit to it, but i cant help wondering if the advantages of this method are exagerated to the point where people think there messing things up if they were to wait an hour or so. in my experience its actually pretty difficult to get proper nutrition within 15mins unless you prepare food before your run maybe.

I just eat normal food in reasonable sized portions and try to avoid fast food, fried food and too many cakes and sweeties. I also avoid 'sports' and energy drinks like they were the plague.

Breakfasts: porridge with dried fruit, wholemeal toast with sardines or peanut butter or honey, low sugar cereal and/or muesli with semi skimmed milk.

Lunches: sandwiches and/or soup - the Baxters 'stay full' range is pretty good.

Dinners: hot pasta with sauces, cold pasta salads, stir fries with loads of veggies and brown rice, meat stews and/or casseroles with loads of veggies.

Snacks: bananas, apples, yoghurts, tinned fish, fruit ice lollies, kiddie sized chocolate bars and the occasional packet of crisps.

For me, watching my weight is all about portion size and controlling mindless snacking. If I feel peckish but I know it's just boredom and not real hunger, I have a cup of tea.

Andy - agree with you, getting food in quickly is not the (or even one of the) most important elements of training.  For practicality I eat some oatcakes and have a glass of milk (so carbs and protein) as soon as I get in from a harder run / cross-training session.  I find the milk settles my stomach too (which is weird as it seriously upsets it before any exercise...!).

protein: tuna, salmon, chicken, pinto beans, baked beans,, eggs,milk

carbs: tortia wraps, beans, potato, whole grain bread

bananas, blueberrys, dates, strawberrys, blackberrys, weetabix, greentea, almond butter, multi vit, omega 3,6,9 supplements.

its a cheap and effective diet.

john heald 2 wrote (see)

protein: tuna, salmon, chicken, pinto beans, baked beans,, eggs,milk

carbs: tortia wraps, beans, potato, whole grain bread

bananas, blueberrys, dates, strawberrys, blackberrys, weetabix, greentea, almond butter, multi vit, omega 3,6,9 supplements.

its a cheap and effective diet.

Those things aren't cheap? what are you on about?!?!?

Tesos mushy peas, 4p a can for 220 kcals, £2.80 a week food bill, thats cheap!

strunner wrote (see)

Andy - agree with you, getting food in quickly is not the (or even one of the) most important elements of training.  For practicality I eat some oatcakes and have a glass of milk (so carbs and protein) as soon as I get in from a harder run / cross-training session.  I find the milk settles my stomach too (which is weird as it seriously upsets it before any exercise...!).

thats not a bad idea that. i never thought thought of doing that to be honest. milk is probably THEE best protein/recovery drink going to be honest.

lardarse wrote (see)

john heald 2 wrote (see)

protein: tuna, salmon, chicken, pinto beans, baked beans,, eggs,milk

carbs: tortia wraps, beans, potato, whole grain bread

bananas, blueberrys, dates, strawberrys, blackberrys, weetabix, greentea, almond butter, multi vit, omega 3,6,9 supplements.

its a cheap and effective diet.

Those things aren't cheap? what are you on about?!?!?

Tesos mushy peas, 4p a can for 220 kcals, £2.80 a week food bill, thats cheap!

cheaper than 7 ready meals a week at £3 each!!!

Salmon and chicken are really expensive! 

Low fat choc milkshake is one of the best post-workout drinks, behind protein shakes.

well yeah i suppose they are, but they're good for you!!

Thank you all for the diet tips, i shall righr it down on my note book and go from there, and make a diet up for my self for all the info you ladys and gentlmaen have given me.

thank you very much.