torn basil has rescued many a depressing dinner and this ever-popular herb is also very good for you. Like many green and leafy foods, basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is needed for blood clotting and helps maintain bone strength. It may

. If solid foods seem unappealing in the morning, whip up a fruit and yoghurt smoothie.Experimenting at the wrong timeTrying a new food or drink during a race usually spells disaster, but training sessions are a great time to discover what fuels you best

caffeine and alcohol, which contribute to dehydration.You don’t know what to eat Simple: stick to tried-and-tested foods, avoiding seafood and spicy food. Aim for slightly more carbohydrate and slightly less fat than usual on the day before the race, but it

jacket potato or bowl of pasta, once seen as a healthy choice, became foods likely to increase your weight.Health warningA number of low-carbohydrate diets have emerged and become very popular, though the total avoidance of carbohydrate is still largely

of cycling team Garmin-Slipstream's training and race preparation."There's nothing nutritious about that food," is Lim's blunt opinion of the traditional pre-race meal. In fact, he has eliminated all processed wheat from Garmin-Slipstream's diet, and at races

priority. These foods will fill you up for longer on smaller portions. Being too heavy increases the chances of cancer and strokes, and is a major cause of liver disease, impotence and infertility. You probably knew that but it's nice to be reminded once

week.Button mushroomsThey've always been Fungi that double up as a pizza topping and accompany a traditional fry-up.They're also A good source of B vitamins that help convert food into energy. Mushrooms are also rich in the antioxidant selenium

Every good marathon-training plan should ‘taper’ during the final two or three weeks. That means you run less and rest more. For some people, the idea of backing off on their training just before the big race seems counter-intuitive. "So many

, but these essential fats deliver benefits, so don't avoid them. Try salmon pâté or guacamole on a couple of oatcakes after a run." Ian Marber, the Food DoctorLose the tension"Avoid wasting energy during a race by unnecessarily tensing muscles, especially

- especially important if it was a marathon. Keep snacking on high-carb/low-fat food and sipping non-alcoholic drinks until your evening meal.19:00 - Get stuffed Feel free to enjoy a carbohydrate-heavy blow out on the evening after your race. If you want your