Monday, May 31, 2010

Post-Run Snack Shopping List

Probably the most important thing a runner can do after a run is refuel. Many times, other commitments, the family and kids waiting, not feeling hungry, or just being plain tired, prevents runners from taking that post-run step of replacing the carbs they've burned on the run as well as ingesting some protein to aid in a quick recovery.

A runner can burn close to 1000 calories on a 10-miler. That's a lot of calories. It's important to replace what was lost as soon as possible. Ever fall a sleep right after a long hard run? The nap may have felt good, but did you feel sluggish the rest of the day? The next day? That was probably due to your muscles not having been refueled after your hard run. It's kind of like driving your car past the oil-change date. It starts to run a little rough. Even if you don't feel like eating, it's best to at least down a sports drink soon after the run so you're at least replacing some of the lost carbs.

A good rule of thumb is to eat a 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein within 45 minutes of finishing a run. Most research says this ratio consumed shortly after a workout is optimal in speeding-up recovery and getting your tired, broken-down muscles the nourishment they need to rebuild and repair. Nonfat or lowfat chocolate milk actually has this 4:1 ratio and makes a great post run recovery snack. Don't worry too much about having exactly the 4:1 ratio. The most important thing to take from this is that for a post-run snack, you need to consume more carbs than protein. Too much protein can slow rehydration and glycogen replenishment.

How much should you eat? Not a lot. Your snack only needs to be about 220-440 calories (200-400 calories [50-100 grams] coming from carbs and 20-40 calories [5-10 grams] coming from protein.) If you've finished an easy short run or a laidback long run, then go with a lighter snack. If it's been a hard quick speed workout or a hard long run, then go with a more substantial snack. After an endurance race such as a marathon, it's a great idea to repeat this snack combo every couple of hours to keep a constant refueling supply to your muscles hard at work repairing themselves. Remember the you're not adding calories on top of your regular caloric intake that will just sit there and turn to fat. You're replacing the calories you used as fuel on your run.

So besides chocolate milk, what are some other foods to have handy for a post run snack? Listed below are just a few of the foods to include on your post-run food grocery shopping list.

Post-Run Snack Shopping List
FruitsFruits are a great source of simple carbs. Yep, that's right, simple carbs. Usually when you think of simple carbs you think of the bad carbs like white bread and doughnuts. Fruit contains the simple sugar fructose which is a simple sugar, but fruits are also packed with lots of fiber and they're also nutrient dense with lots of important vitamins and minerals. Fruit makes a great post run snack because the simple sugar it contains is digested quickly and can quickly be converted to energy your muscles need in order to repair themselves after your run. Here are just a few of the great fruits you may want to include on your shopping list.
apples (fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants)
bananas (potassium, fiber, vitamins C and B6)
blueberries (vitamins C and K, fiber)
cherries (vitamin C, fiber, potassium)
cantaloupe (vitamins A and C, potassium)
figs (fiber, iron, calcium, potassium)
raisins (potassium, fiber)
VegetablesVegetables are a great source of complex carbs and other nutrients. Listed below are just a few of the many great vegetables to consider for your post-run eating.
beans (i.e., kidney, pinto, garbanzo, edamame, etc.) (protein, fiber, potassium, iron)
carrots (vitamins A and K, potassium, lutein, beta-carotene)
broccoli (vitamins C, K, A, B6; fiber; potassium)
celery (vitamins K and C, fiber, potassium)
corn (fiber, potassium, vitamin C)
leafy greens (i.e., romaine, Swiss chard, kale, spinach, mustard greens, etc.) (vitamins A and K, fiber, antioxidants)
butternut squash (vitamins A, C, E; fiber; potassium)
summer squash and zucchini (vitamins C and B6, potassium, fiber)
sweet potatoes (vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, beta-carotene)
tomatoes (vitamins A, C, K; potassium, lycopene)
GrainsWhether it's bread or pasta, look for 100% whole grain or 100% whole wheat. If it's not clear how much whole grain is used, check the nutrition label. Low fiber means more processed/refined grains have been used. Also check to make sure the sugars content is low. Then check the ingredients list. The ingredients are listed in order by how much is contained in the product. So, whole grain or whole wheat should be listed as the first ingredient. Sometimes it's hard to find 100% whole grain or 100% whole wheat products. If that's the case, buy products that have the the highest fiber content per serving (3 grams or more). 100% whole wheat products will also have more protein since the grains have not been processed or refined. Avoid products where the first ingredients listed are "enriched flour" or "enriched bleached flour."
100% whole wheat pita
100% whole wheat tortilla
100% whole wheat crackers
100% whole wheat bagels
100% whole wheat English muffins
whole-grain cereal (cold or hot)
pretzels (choose the whole grain variety that's baked not fried; Check the label. Some of the flavored varieties contain extra fat and calories)
100% whole-wheat or whole-grain pasta
Oatmeal (steel-cut is probably the most healthful, but the quick-cooking and instant varieties are good too. Be sure to check the fat and sodium content of the instant varieties.)
Quinoa (Besides soybeans, quinoa is the only other plant that's a complete protein. It's tasty and has the texture of pasta. It cooks quickly and can be used as replacement in many pasta dishes as well as being prepared as a hot breakfast cereal.)
DairyDairy products are an excellent source of calcium which is needed for strong bones, but most people are unaware that calcium is also a key ingredient in the energy production process for muscle contraction. Just be sure to select the low-fat or no-fat varieties. Milk is also fortified with vitamin D which helps build a strong immune system.
skim milk
part-skim mozzarella string cheese
1% or fat-free cottage cheese
low-fat or fat-free yogurt
low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt (contains twice the protein of traditional yogurt)
low-fat chocolate milk (has the perfect 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein)
Meat, Fish, Eggs and Meat SubstitutesMeat, fish, eggs, and meat substitutes are great sources of complete proteins. Fish containing Omega-3s (healthful polyunsaturated fats) help improve cardiovascular health and can help reduce blood pressure. Lean meats and poultry are also high in iron, B12, zinc, and phosphorus. It's no longer taboo to eat eggs. Research has shown that they're not the bad health culprit as once thought. Eating an egg a day is fine. Eggs are high in protein, iron, B12 and folate.
turkey breast
chicken breast
lean cuts of red meat
deli-sliced turkey, ham, roast beef (Watch out for high levels of sodium and fat. Not all deli meats are equal. Some are made with lesser quality and higher-fat meats. A good trick is to have it lean deli meats shaved or sliced very thin. That way you can pile it on your sandwich and it looks like more than the same serving size of a thicker cut.)
ground turkey or chicken (make sure it's lean white meat)
tuna (select varieties packed in water; the new pouches are great!)
salmon (select varieties packed in water; the new pouches are great!)
veggie patties (there are a wide variety of veggie burgers and black bean burgers as well as soybean-based chicken flavored patties in the frozen foods section that are low in fat, high in protein, quick to cook, and pretty tasty.)
eggs and egg substitutes (the yolk contains the fat including the omega-3s as well as vitamins A, B12, and E. Because the yolk contains the fat it contains about 3/4 of the egg's calories. The egg white contains more than half of the protein, iron, and selenium.)
Nuts and Nut ButtersNuts are a great source of protein, vitamin E, folate, and magnesium. They also provide a small amount of fiber and iron. They're a great source of heart-healthy fats (mono- and polyunsaturated). Keep the serving size small (about 1 oz). Be sure to eat the raw or toasted varieties that contain no additional oils or salt.
almonds (great source of Vitamin E)
walnuts (contains more omega-3s than any other nut)
peanuts (1 oz packs 8 grams of protein)
peanut butter
almond butter
Miscellaneous
tomato-based pasta sauce (tomato-based sauces provide potassium; vitamins A, C, and K; and antioxidants. Meat varieties will provide some protein too. Select sauces with less than 700mg of sodium per 1/2-cup)
hummus (made with chickpeas and tahini [sesame paste], and is a great source of protein and calcium)
guacamole (avocados are a good source of potassium, vitamin E, heart-healthy unsaturated fats, and folate)
trail mix (skip the candied variety; focus on ones mainly consisting of dried fruit, granola, and nuts.)
dark chocolate (choose varieties that are made of 70% cocoa or higher. Keep the serving size small. One square of a 70% Dark Chocolate Lindt Bar and 1 oz of almonds make a great snack)
energy bars (be careful. Some are loaded with fat. Select ones with 6 grams or less of fat, 200 calories or less, 25-30 grams of carbs, and 5-10 grams of protein.)
sports drink (for post-run refueling be sure to select varieties that are not low in carbs.)

There are hundreds of different combinations for snacks using the foods listed above. Here's just a few.
Post-Run Snack Ideas:
English muffin with peanut or almond butter
apple slices and a mozzarella cheese stick
apple slices and peanut or almond butter
apple, pear, or peach slices with low-fat cottage cheese
baby carrots with peanut butter or hummus
leftover chili makes a great post-run snack
wheat crackers with hummus
wheat crackers with tuna salad (made with lowfat mayo)
turkey wrap (lean turkey wrapped in a tortilla)
pita bread with hummus
pita or tortilla with tuna
pasta with meat sauce
pasta with tuna
scrambled egg and 100% whole wheat bread sandwich
sports drink and a mozzarella cheese stick

So, stock your cupboard and your fridge, train hard, and don't forget to refuel. You're tired muscles will thank you for it!

21 comments:

Lauren said...

I'm going for a 22 mile tomorrow at a nice and easy pace. Laid back long run or hard long run??? I'll probably take in about 400 calories during the run. But I'm usually confused how to handle the post run snack. Being that I want to drop pounds I think I'm going for too few calories. I usually do less than 200 calories on these runs. Would you recommend the low end in your article (220) or the higher amount (440)? I need all the education I can get : ))

RunnerDude said...

Hi Lauren! I like to think of my post run calories separate from my daily caloric intake. In other words, I think it's very important to replace what you burn in order to have good muscle recovery so you'll be in good shape for your next run. So, if you're trying to decrease your daily calories, do that elsewhere in your day such as decreasing the calories in a mid-morning snack or at lunch. But to anwer your question about the laidback 22-miler. Even if that's at a slow pace (slower than race pace)that distance would be considered a pretty hard run. Even if you've taken in 400 cals during the run, your glycogen stores will pretty much be depleted by the end of the run. I'd recommend the post-run snack be at the higher end.

RunnerDude said...

Hi Lauren! Me again. One of the best ways to burn some calories is by doing some resistance training that targets the large muscle groups like the glutes, hamstrings, and quads. Exercises like squats and lunges with body weight or with free weights are some of the best exercises for upping your metabolism. Caloric burn will continue throughout the day after resistance training too (research as shown up to 9hrs!)With running, the calorie burn pretty much stops when you stop running.

Boris T said...

Good post my man.

RunnerDude said...

Hey Boris! Thanks man!

Joe said...

That's a great post. I think I overdo it on the protein. I have some protein powder and it makes for an easy breakfast. Didn't know the carbs were so crucial.

RunnerDude said...

Hi Joe! Yep, carb are the fuel. Protein is important in recovery and in muscle building, but carbs are what make your run. USDA National guidelines specify that your daily caloric intake should consist of 45-65% carbs, 20-35% fat and 10-35% protein.

run with Jill said...

Wierd that I'm not hungry for a couple hours post run, but I love chocolate milk and try to drink it soon after I finish a long run.

RunnerDude said...

Hi Run with Jill! Chocolate milk will do the trick! You were refueling and you didn't even know it! Good job!

Steven Cohen said...

Good post, and nice suggestions! Since I've done P90X I'm very into the recovery drink, so I use Accelerade. Similar to the popular drinks, but with a 4:1 carb/protein mix, real sugar instead of highly processed crap, and lower in sodium. Of course real foods are our best source of nutrients, but we do what we can, right?

RunnerDude said...

Hi Steven! I'm an Accelerade user too! Good stuff! Great on the run for me too because it's a little lower on the carbs and easier on the tummy. I like the Accell Gels too for my long runs.

wendy said...

Thanks for the info! Your answers to the other posters were very informative as well. I was just wondering about the protein to carb ratio. I realized that it should be higher in carbs for the running, but was wondering what the ratio was for strength training. What would you recommend for the days I am lifting?

RunnerDude said...

Hi Wendy! Thanks! Basically it's the same rule for resistance training too. Carbs are the fuel needed to create ATP (the chemcial needed for muscle movement to occur). Fat can also be used for energy and protein can too, but usually the body only results to using protein for energy as a last resort. Protein, however, is needed for muscle recovery. But the idea that the more protein the better isn't true. Research has shown that the body basically won't use more than 2grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. More than that shows not benefit. Sedentary individuals should get about .8grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Endurance runners should get up to 1.5 grams per kilogram of bodyweight and a resistance trainer will need from 1.5 to 2grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. USDA National guidelines specify that your daily caloric intake should consist of 45-65% carbs, 20-35% fat and 10-35% protein. Hope this helps! Happy Memorial Day!!

wendy said...

Wow! That is interesting, I am definitely going to back off on the protein and focus more on the carbs! thanks and happy Memorial day to you as well : )

RunnerDude said...

Hi Wendy! Me again. Just to clarify, that protein grams per kilogram of body weight is per day, not for after a workout. So for example a 130-pound endurance runner would need about about 86grams of protein a day. (1.5 x 59kg)Sounds like a lot to get in one day, but a cup of tuna has about 39grams and a 6" Turkey breast sub from Subway has 13 grams. So it adds up

Lauren said...

Thanks for the info! That is so interesting about weight training & burning calories. I recently started weight training (over a month ago) since my injury & reading your blogs. It was so difficult for me to get over (mentally) eating the 400+ calorie postrun snack for my long run today, but I did it. And afterwards, was able to do all my regular chores. (Only took a 15 minute nap.) Now I need your blog on how to get the family over the hump on my long run days : ) (resentment is the key word! If I don't get out the door at 6AM, I'm not back til noon) I know that it's better for them that I run, but they don't. Happy Memorial Day. Thanks Again for the great advice. I will take it.

RunnerDude said...

Hi Lauren! Glad to help! I hear you about the family. It is hard to balance the running and family. My family has finally seen how running keeps me sane. Sometimes they'll tell my I need to go run. LOL! Hang in there.

Nicki said...

Great piece!!

I have gotten so I drink chocolate soy milk - more protein than regular or low-fat chocolate milk.

I also throw a bunch of "stuff" in the blender. A container of Greek yogurt, fresh or frozen strawberries, some ground flaxseed, pineapple juice (or skim milk - depends on what is on hand), and a handful of spinach. Makes a great smoothie for after a hard run.

RunnerDude said...

Hi Nicki! I'll have to try the soy milk and your smoothie!

Will said...

So I do most of my running via the cardio machines ,as I just recently am recovering fully from a broken heel and 3 stress fractures. So a bit confused....

I heard somewhere that drinking Gatorade was the best option for after running.... Now that I have heard chocolate milk is would a chocolate protein shake with water be the same or about the same thing?
I use EAS 100% Whey that I buy from Target.

RunnerDude said...

Hi Will! Sorry to hear about the foot injuries. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Gatorade is great to use after a run or workout in helping preplace the carbs you've used. That car replacement will also help your body make the energy it needs to repair and rebuild itself after your run/workout. You also need a little protein, so eating something with protein along with the gatorade within 30-45 mins after your workout will work great. It just happens that chocolate milk has the perfect 4:1 ration of carbs to protein that's recommended for post workout fuel.

The proein powder you mentioned may work, but it probably has way more protein than you need and it probably doesn't have the carbs needed. Your body actually only needs a certain amount of protein and if you go beyond that needed level, it just becomes expensive pee. LOL!

Speedy recovery with the foot!