Thursday, September 4, 2008

Keep it simple


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A lot of people ask me (as well as James) what he eats before a race or rather what do I cook him the night before a race. so here's the scoop.
- It depends on what foods your body reacts the best in terms of digestion and absorption of nutrients. James and I both have certain stomach problems when eating a larger portion of pasta (even whole wheat durum) so we usually opt out of making that the night before a race. Brown rice is one of the best carbohydrates that is full of great vitamin and easily digested. Brown rice has an excellent source of manganese, and a good source of the minerals selenium and magnesium. Manganese is a critical component the antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is located inside the body's mitochondria where it provides protection against damage from the free radicals produced during energy production. In other words, when free radicals are charging your body's cells after or before a workout, this antioxidant helps get rid of them! Anyway, brown rice works for us and is an excellent source of pre-race carbohydrate.
-Then I usually add it a little spice to the meal, not much as we don't want to take any risk of upsetting the stomach but do need extra nutrients. So spinach and tomatoes on top of baked chicken is always a good bet. The diced tomatoes are rich in antioxidants A and C, and each serving offers 4.55 mg of the antioxidant lycopene and the spinach makes him feel like popeye. Just kidding, but it does have loads of nutrients that help fuel the body- Vitamin A, K, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, folate, iron, you name it! Anyway, I had an extra 1/2 portion to full portion of brown rice for James depending on what type of distance he is racing and then the recommended portion 4-6oz of chicken breast (lean protein) for his meal. It also good to add a little olive oil for Vit. E! Oh and I usually add a small amount garlic and cumin in order to satisfy his Mexican craving!

I'll let him tell you the pre-race breakfast meal next time as I know you are dying to know, haha!
Cheers and good health,
LCotter

3 comments:

Grant Glauser said...

I agree. I cant handle lots of pasta the night before a race. Instead i have a big pasta dinner 2 nights before and then a rice based dish the night before. One of my fav meals the night before is a burrito from chipotle. perfect mix of carbs, protien, and cals.

:) said...

YUMMO!!!

rr said...

Looks awesome. I am all about pre-race chicken breast. Carbs the night prior make me slow and heavy feeling.. maybe I should try the brown rice before a big workout.. the rest of your food advice is working for me so well :)