neat square parcels. Serve warm.The BenefitsChickenThe nation's favourite meat is packed with protein, which you need to repair muscles that are damaged in training and racing. It's also a source of potassium, which, among other functions, promotes

on starchy carbohydrates; you should also include two portions of protein-rich food, at least five of fruit and vegetables, and three of calcium-rich (dairy or alternative) foods.Nutrients lacking in the vegetarian diet will depend on the foods excluded

recovery snacks or drinks in your daily training carbohydrate allowance. 6. Make sure you include a small amount (10-20g) of good-quality protein in your recovery snack, such as a fruit smoothie, cheese or lean chicken.7. Choose drinks if you suffer from

Sass. "A crack in the foundation requires raw materials to patch things back together, and in the body those raw materials come from what we eat."Proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants help heal wounds, relax stressed tendons and mend fractured

of meals and base snacks on fruit or carbohydrate-rich foods. Three modest portions of protein-rich foods per day (usually at each main meal) will meet your needs.The problem: You skip breakfast on race dayArriving on the start line empty is likely

by the soluble fibre in beetroot. It also contains vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as potassium, magnesium and iron.ChickenFirst, remove the fatty skin. Second, enjoy the massive protein hit chicken offers (about 22g per 100g). The body needs protein for growth

and intensity drops off. This week, as your training hits its peak you should also eat a bit more protein, troubleshoot your race plan and choose your race-day shoes.Training ChecklistThis is the final week of big training, with your final long run of between 18

're in training, but you'll miss out on essential proteins, vitamins and minerals.What's more, without the presence of whole grains, the sugars in carbs are more quickly absorbed, which causes blood sugar levels to peak quickly and then crash, which can leave you

in a while.10. ParmesanGrate hard, strong cheeses, such as Parmesan, on your salad for added protein. "The key here is to add protein to all of your meals, which fills you up faster and helps you burn more calories throughout the day," says nutritionist

One of the long-enduring and rarely questioned traditions associated with triathlon events of all kinds is the substantial pasta dinner the evening before race day. After all, who doesn't believe in the hearty, turbo-fuelling advantages of eating a