Eating for Maximum Running Performance

A couple of readers wrote to me and asked me if I follow any special diet as part of my training. The answer is "yes and no". I do not count calories but I try to eat healthy, nutritious food as much as possible and avoid processed or manufactured foods. I am a firm believer in the "caveman diet"; i.e., I try to eat foods that come directly from a plant or animal source.

In addition, I am trying to eat as much fish as possible to get the maximum effects of Omega-3. I love fish and am trying to eat as much of it as possible. I eat fish almost every day. My favorites are salmon and herring, although I will eat almost any kind of fish.

In addition to fish, I try to eat a lot of vegetables, fruit, nuts, berries, seeds and rice. I do eat meat, but not every day. I love bacon, sausage, chicken and turkey but I choose fish over meat or poultry most of the time. I do not use any type of vitamins or Omega-3 supplements. I don't think there is anything wrong with vitamins or Omega-3 capsules, but I feel that I eat enough vegetables and fish to get the required nutrients directly from food. Some researchers believe, however, that a person can't really eat enough fish to satisfy the body's need for Omega-3. More research is needed to determine the optimal amount of Omega-3 and whether or not this requirement can be met through food alone.

I also drink a lot of green tea ( about four or five cups per day). I don't drink milk and the only foods I avoid are dairy products, junk food and candy. Other than that, I will eat almost any type of food.

I have found that by following this type of diet I can eat as much as I want, I feel great and my running performance is greatly improved. I am not a food fanatic and will make exceptions --- especially around the holidays!

Here is some research from Jeff Galloway's website on nutrition and running: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/nutrition/index.html