If you run or jog three to six times per week for any length of time or distance – this is what you need to eat.

Pre-workout Diet:

You will need lots of energy. Eat about 1.5 hours or more before your run. You want plenty of slow-burning carbohydrates, also known as low glycemic index (GI) carbs. These will allow you to use the slow-burning energy throughout your run.

You should consume between 300 and 600 calories before a run (this is highly variable depending upon your body and training intensity); an apple is not enough!

Try, an apple, oatmeal, and some yoghurt, or replace the oatmeal with low GI brown rice. This provides you with slow-burning carbohydrates, as well as some healthy fat, to last you up to an hour or more.

Post-workout Diet:

After your workout is recovery time. If you don’t eat the right foods, your body will take longer to recuperate, adapt and improve. Post workout, have a small portion of carbs, and a medium portion of fats and protein.

You’ll be using the healthy fats and small amount of carbs to replenish the sugars you lost while training. Have a piece of fruit and a couple of eggs (or a protein shake), and add in some unsalted natural mixed nuts. If you’re not into taking supplements, eggs are excellent post workout foods; they have the best quality of protein found in food, along with healthy cholesterol and fats.

Want to lose weight? Find out your ideal weight, browse low-fat recipes and choose a healthy eating plan.

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