Thursday, April 29, 2010

Water and bananas

We've sometimes received water and bananas after a half marathon or a marathon. While we're running the last two kilometers of a long run race we could feel weak and our legs might start to cramp. Thanks in part to that water and bananas the body's imbalance returns to normal in about an hour. Of course water hydrates and bananas supply potassium which is of particular importance to runners. Potassium is a mineral which maintains fluids and electrolyte levels within the body. It helps in recovery and may also protect against hearth disease.
As I'm sure you're aware, we could find potassium in so many common foods such as spinach, carrot, orange and yogurt. Moreover, I've recently read that dry figs and other dried fruits have a high concentration of potassium. But how could we keep our potassium optimal levels every day? I don't know, but I'm sure that lots of fast foods are low in potassium. Of consequence, it's best to concentrate on eating a wide variety of whole foods every day.

After I had wrote this post I tried to find potassium in the meal :) So, we cooked potatoes with garlic, low-fat cheese and olive oil. And we didn't lose much time to cook it.

6 comments:

Amy said...

One of my favorite pre-run snack is a Medjool date - they are delicious and full of good things.

Johann said...

Due to some not so good times during some long runs I battle to stomach bananas. Potatoes are great!

Julie said...

Hi Giorgio,
Your potatoe dish looks wonderful! You need to post the recipe for this dish too:)

I hope that you have a wonderful weekend and have a good training run with Stefano!!

Black Knight said...

I agree. I like that dish with potatoes. Enjoy your lunch in S.Marinella.
The Black Knight Army, at the moment, has 5 warriors ready for the Campus. Let's not forget the black armor.

Anne said...

MMmmm those potatoes look delicious...I LOVE potatoes! Plus it's quick and easy to prepare...I am totally trying those. Thanks for sharing :)

Amy said...

Thanks for your comment on my post - yes about the Stella beer - I actually run past the brewery on some of my runs and when I go to the gym, it's not far from my house!
As for the asparagus, we eat it very simply: poached in water with a simple lemon and parsley sauce - yum!