Go The Distance

Some of us run for fat burning benefits and others run to train for long distance runs such as marathons.  Fueling our bodies is important for both, but different kinds of fuel work better depending on our goals.

For long distance running, carbohydrates go a long way.  Complex carbohydrates keep a steady flow of energy in our bodies to help us endure throughout the race.  Foods such as pasta, whole grain breads, oatmeal, sweet potatoes and legumes go a long, long way.

But for those of us who run as exercise and to burn fat, fueling our bodies is a little different.  Rather than loading up on carbohydrates, eating more protein is much better.  When we burn fat we do not want to burn muscle.  Muscle keeps our metabolism running at an optimum rate.  To retain muscle, we need protein.  Also, when we eat carbohydrates before a run, we use those carbohydrates for energy as described above.  When we do that we burn those carbohydrates and never get to our fat reserve.

No matter what your goals, remember to maintain a healthy diet at all times.  For more information on healthy eating and more on a healthy lifestyle, check out. . .

Bigg Health