Eat like a marathoner

The 2018 U.S. and European Marathon seasons are just around the corner. It is time to harness that cheer and excitement, and turn it into something more useful. Have you ever wondered the recommendations on what to eat before running they give those Marathon athletes? How one person can have such a high amount of energy, strength and stamina? Aside from an athlete’s incredible determination and commitment to daily training, athletes nurture their bodies. Food is fuel. Fuel keeps you running. It’s as simple as that!

While most of us may never become marathon runners, we certainly can take inspiration from an athlete’s nutritional intake. As bananas have numerous benefits, vitamins and nutrients which are perfectly adapted to the needs of a marathon runner, here are some of Chiquita’s tastiest body fueling recipes.

Let’s start with that pre workout breakfast.

• Try to think of your body as a car. A car will not start without fuel – and nor will your body. Without breakfast, your body is effectively running on empty. With this is mind, it is easy to understand why breakfast is crucial to an athlete’s diet. Whole grains, natural sugars and fiber are important at this hour of the day. Whole grains are slower-burning carbs, so the energy is released slowly and consistently. Fiber is necessary for a healthy digestive system, however, some studies have shown that it is also good for boosting your metabolism. While fiber isn’t actually digested by the body, in an attempt to do so, the body fires up the metabolism and burns calories while trying to digest fiber. Chiquita’s Banana and Walnut Porridge recipe hits the nail on the head for a perfectly balanced breakfast for winners and prepare you for a before workout meal. This recipe is high in fiber, protein and natural sugars from Chiquita Bananas for the right start to your day.
• It can be hard to get all those fruits and veggies in throughout the day. Fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies are jam packed with nutrients and can even mask the flavor of those please-don’t-make-me-eat-this kind of veggies! Smoothies are lighter on the stomach, so they are perfect for pre or post workout snacks. They also give you the lasting energy release needed to keep you going between meals. Whether you’re an marathoner, an aspirational runner or anything in between, we all need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. So, to avoid that tidal wave of exhaustion, also known as “That 2:30 feeling”, how about trying out Chiquita’s Green Spiced Banana Smoothie. If that’s just not quite enough to get through your marathon of a day, pack yourself some delicious, yet nutritious Banana and Coconut Energy Bites. These will without a doubt satisfy your sweet tooth while giving you the energy boost to power through your day.
• If you’re looking for a light, good pre workout meal, try Sea Bass with Chiquita Banana and Mango salsa. The creamy banana taste complements the complex sweetness of the mango so well! Main meals are the best time to catch up on the nutrients that haven’t yet been consumed throughout the day. Asian stir-fries are also a flavorsome way to do just this! When cooking a stir-fry, vegetables are seared at high temperatures for a short amount of time, therefore, retaining more nutrients. Not only are they fast and easy to prepare, it also only requires one pan! Add a Chiquita Banana to the sauce for a creamier consistency. Taste Chiquita’s banana shrimp stir fry. These recipes are all about convenience!

Chiquita bananas are an ideal food for those who regularly exercise because of their quick-acting carbohydrate’s effect on energy levels. They are the right post workout snack or meal as they provide the right nutrients for muscle repair and help to balance water retention.

Enjoy the Marathon season with Chiquita!