What To Eat (And Drink) On Your Rest Days
You already know how to fuel up on days you run. But what about on days off? Here’s how to adjust.
1. Don’t change too much.
While many think they need to tighten their grip on calorie intake come rest day, that’s not really the case. “It’s not necessary to restrict energy intake,” says Stephanie Howe Violett, Ph.D., a running and nutrition coach and the 2014 Western States 100 champion. “That’s when most recovery and adaptation occurs, and proper nutrients are important to facilitate those processes.” Instead, tune into your hunger cues and opt for food quality over quantity.
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2. Space out calories.
Many people backload during the day, meaning they eat a light breakfast and lunch and then have a big dinner, says Tenforde. But that depletes your energy and makes your body more susceptible to breakdown. A steady supply is best, so if you must go light on your first two meals, balance it with nuts or fruit in between.
3. Fuel with micros.
Carbohydrates, protein, fibre – those are the macro-nutrients you need to fuel a strong recovery. But runners also need micro-nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and iron to replenish the body. Eating whole foods – lots of fruits, vegetables, and meat or beans – will help cover your bases. Violett says you should aim for about half of your plate to be full of vegetables, whole grains, and fruit. Then add a serving of high-quality protein and top with fat (better if it’s unsaturated) to make sure you get essential fatty acids that also aid in recovery.
RELATED: 4 Reasons You Should Eat Protein At Breakfast
4. Hydrate.
Rest days are a great time to pre-hydrate, as starting a run dehydrated is about as much fun as losing a toenail, says Violett. That doesn’t mean slam a bunch of water at once – just be mindful about your intake (and check your pee colour to see if you’re on track).
RELATED: 5 Ways To Stay Hydrated During Long Runs
5. Enjoy that beer.
Violett says it’s NBD to indulge in an IPA, but it doesn’t exactly fuel your recovery. “Alcohol is a poor nutrient value, so it doesn’t do a lot for you,” she explains. Opting for a “recovery” beer after a tough workout? Eat a solid meal first. Going straight for the booze can hurt the body’s ability to restock glycogen stores, and your muscles may not recover as quickly.