A few years ago, I used to run around 8 miles a day. I loved it! There was nothing like getting my trainers on, playlist at the ready and trainers on. The weather never phased me – in fact, some of my most enjoyable long runs were in the rain! As a new year’s resolution, and now that the gyms are closed, I am keen to get out again and start running.
But with long runs came the constant feeling of hunger and I realised that I needed to re-fuel and eat snacks full of good calories. One of the benefits of running is that you can get away with eating sweets and other high-calorie snacks in your diet every so often. You’ll definitely run and feel better though, when you’re eating healthy, nutritious foods, including snacks.
I was always trying to find good healthy pre run and post run snacks that were an excellent source of protein and full of good fats and above all easy to prepare or just easy to carry – a Hiya snack bar is just the ticket! Our all natural snack bars are the perfect snack for runners. They are low GI, releasing energy slowly, this is essential for those long runs just to help you keep your momentum and especially on those runs when you hit a wall! Here is a good article about low GI and why as runners we should try and get low gi foods into our diets.
The other great thing about Hiya bars is that they are full of good fats, these come from the flaxseeds, melon seeds and coconut oil. These good fats are great for providing immediate energy.
Read more about the importance of good fats for runners.
The mix of gram flour and seeds make Hiya bars a source of protein, essential for muscle development and repair for runners. Protein in a snack is so important as it helps keep you fuller and satiated.
Other Suggestions for Running Snacks
Apple or Fruit Slices With Nut Butter
Everyone knows apples are good for you, and they are low GI and full of fibre. Try eating apple slices, (or you can opt for a pear) with a little bit of nut butter, either peanut or almond, which is a great source of healthful fat and protein.
Cheese and Crackers
The cheese and crackers combo is a nutritious way to curb your in-between-meals hunger. The crackers provide fibre and good carbs, while the cheese is a source of protein.
Bananas
This simple fruit is so versatile! You’ll get carbs from bananas as well as potassium, which helps prevent muscle cramps. The simple sugars and low amount of fibre make bananas especially easily digestible, which means they are a good choice as a pre run snack.
Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk provides plenty of protein, carbohydrates and B vitamins which may make it a great post run drink. Cold chocolate milk tastes pretty refreshing after a run. Another benefit, the calcium will help keep your bones strong.
Running is the perfect excuse to get outdoors during the winter months, just a fabulous workout for the mind and body! Whether you are a marathon runner or a short distance kind of person, it is advisable to have a pre run and post run routine. Most importantly don’t forget to warm up and cool down which helps prevent injuries. It’s also important to get some very good nutrition, the body needs high-quality energy – this means good fats, a good source of protein and carbohydrates. Our Hiya bars are the best snacks for running, as they are a combination of all of these. The good fat comes in the form of the flaxseeds and also the coconut oil. If, like me, you like short sharp sprints, these good fats are great for a burst of energy. They are also great for post run as they help when you need instant energy after a long run. The mix of the seeds with the chickpea flour means that they are low GI, and keep you going for longer. Share with us what your post and pre run food is?
There are so many great apps to record your performance, our favourite is Strava. It records your routes, run speeds and you can share it with friends who are also on it, it’s a great way of staying on track! You can also find local running clubs which are an excellent way to get into the sport.
By the way, we went to Guildford Vegan market a few weeks ago and met a fantastic gentlemen who was really into long distance running. He tasted our bars and was so enthusiastic – who knew that it was so hard to find something tasty and different for long distance runners?!!
