What's your favorite food to eat before or after a run? Here's what we're snacking on over at Hot Bird Running:
1. Banana with Almond Butter or Peanut Butter
A carb-packed energy-booster before or after a run. Bananas are carbs and contain potassium and vitamin B6. Add almond butter or peanut butter for more protein. For people on the go, check out these awesome little almond and peanut butter packets: Justin's Nut Butter Packs
When they’re good: Before or after a run. They’re also great blended into a fruit smoothie. Or simply whip frozen banana chunks with milk in a blender for a delicious recovery shake.
2. Yogurt
A great source of calcium, protein and potassium – and it’s low in fat and fairly high in carbohydrates. The live and active cultures added to certain types of yogurt (often called ‘bio’) will also boost your immune system. Meghan prefers Greek yogurt because it doesn't contain as much liquid whey and lactose. Greek yogurt also has a bit of an edge over regular yogurt because it has double the protein and half the sugar. Some of us are not too keen on Greek yogurt, like Jessica, who sticks with Activia either alone right after a run or with some granola or kashi cereal for a solid breakfast or Chobani's Greek Yogurt.
When it’s good: Any time. We like it for breakfast if we're not running right away or right after a run
3. Berry & Banana smoothie
Berries contain vitamin C and potassium. We combine frozen berries and a banana with a bit of yogurt (or skim milk) and protein powder, it's an easy recovery drink full of calcium, potassium and vitamins C and A.
When it's good: post run
4. Hummus with Carrots or Pretzels
Protein and veggies. Pretzels are good if you need a carb.
When they're good: Post run snack or a mid-afternoon snack if you plan on running later in the day.
5. Almonds and Dried Cranberries (our version of GORP)
Almonds are a great source of Vitamin E. Add dried cranberries (and chocolate chips!) for a bit of sweetness. Jessica likes to satisfy her sweet tooth cravings by adding yogurt- and chocolate-covered raisins into the mix. If you live in Brooklyn, check out Sahadi’s where you can make your own mix!
When they're good: post run or mid-day snack
6. English Muffin with Almond or Peanut Butter
Whole grain english muffins provide just the right amount of carbohydrates we need to fuel our runs. Spread a tablespoon or two of either peanut or almond butter on for the necessary protein you need before a longer run, and you're good to go. Jessica's favorite english muffins are Thomas 100% Whole Wheat English Muffins
When they're good: Pre-run