Top Foods for Runners

Fitness Magazine came up with this incredible list of foods that give runners the energy they need without weighing them down.  Say goodbye to running cramps with these quick eats.  We featured our favorites below, but check out the full article on the Fitness Magazine website.

Small Bagel with Peanut Butter

For runners, food does more than just squelch hunger. It also fuels your muscles and keeps you healthy.

"Runners need quality foods that provide a 'spark plug' for their energy," says Nancy Clark, RD, MS, and author of the Food Guide for Marathoners. These seven "elite" foods for runners will help you feel your best -- and keep you up and running.

If you're a morning runner, you know it can be tough to hit the road on an empty stomach. It's been several hours since your last meal the night before, and your energy stores are low. Eating a 100- to 300-calorie snack before your morning run can give you energy and staying power, says Clark. This quick-and-easy snack has carbs and protein, plus it's easy to digest.

Berries

Your legs can take a pounding from high-impact activities like running; soreness you feel after a hard run may be caused by micro-tears in the exercised muscles. That's why, in addition to their high fiber content, berries are a good option for runners: the vitamin C and potassium they contain help the body repair itself.

Lean Beef

In addition to being a quality protein source, beef is high in iron, an especially important element for runners. (Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue.) For vegetarians, beans, peas, green leafy vegetables, and iron-fortified cereals are good sources of iron.

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