It is no secret that runners need to think critically about how to fuel their bodies before and after their workouts. What is a normal diet for a non-runner may not offer the nutritional needs for a runner, and you need to take special care with what you put in your body.
Pros of low fat
A new study out of Natural Medicine recently reported that eating a low fat diet will ultimately lead to eating fewer calories overall. With lower energy foods comes lower calorie intake, and participants on average consumed 500-700 fewer calories in the study.
Cons of low fat
Runners need a wide variety of macronutrients to excel. For runners, being without healthy fasts could lead to injury, longer time to recover after a run, and the proverbial “hitting the wall.” Although the study shows that participants consumed fewer calories, this is not necessarily beneficial for runners.
Low carb questions
The problem with a low carb diet for runners is that runners’ bodies thrive on carbs. Carbohydrates are what keep you going through the long runs and the intervals and the hills.
Instead of going for a low carb diet, runners should seek balance in the types of foods they are eating.
What do the experts say?
Most experts also subscribe to the idea of balance for runners. According to Kara Hoerr, R.D.N., a dietitian who specialises in sports nutrition, “Many people, including athletes, believe that if they follow a low-carb or low-fat diet, they’ll see desired results. But being low in a certain macronutrient doesn’t mean it’s necessarily better for you.” Since runners need strength and endurance, being deficient in any specific macronutrient is not ideal.
Scientists and runners will debate this top for many years to come. It seems that having a balance of macronutrients in your diet, and eating a healthy mix of vegetables, fruits, healthy carbohydrates and lean meats will fuel your body the best.
