Thursday, March 29, 2007
Honey- Not Vegan????
As a lifetime honey fan I am curious why honey is left out of the vegan diet.
I understand that it is made by bees, BUT then again it is made by bees in the process of bees helping many other plant foods germinate and grow.
I have loved honey as a sweetener for coffee/teas/oatmeal. Long before the industry packaged carbo/electrolyte gels I used honey as a fuel before, during and after exercise / races. I love trying different honeys from different areas and different plant-flower sources.
I understand that it is made by bees, BUT then again it is made by bees in the process of bees helping many other plant foods germinate and grow.
I have loved honey as a sweetener for coffee/teas/oatmeal. Long before the industry packaged carbo/electrolyte gels I used honey as a fuel before, during and after exercise / races. I love trying different honeys from different areas and different plant-flower sources.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Nutrition a Vegan Diet and Endurance Sports
As I continue on this journey as an endurance athlete and novice vegan I wonder about the nutritional balance in my diet. I also wonder if I am getting enough to replace what I burn in exercise and what I lose to perspiration and other body functions.
In reading Vegetarian Sports Nutrition and other books and websites I have learned much about food nutrient content. I have also learned a few tricks to getting enough calories to maintain a healthy body weight and have sufficient fuel for workouts and work.
The challenges I have had since becoming vegan include:
In reading Vegetarian Sports Nutrition and other books and websites I have learned much about food nutrient content. I have also learned a few tricks to getting enough calories to maintain a healthy body weight and have sufficient fuel for workouts and work.
The challenges I have had since becoming vegan include:
- Energy later in day
- evening-nighttime eating and dietary balance
- cravings
- What to eat in the morning
- Vegan junk food
- Eating in "regular" restaurants
Now these are not terrible challenges or big problems but they are the things I have been dealing with. The best thing I have done is purchase several vegetarian cookbooks and surfed for vegetarian websites or athletes and food.
I am glad I made this decision and look forward to the future and results of the new diet and lifestyle.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Energy, Fuel and Calories
As I continue on this new journey I have seen variations in my energy level as I have eaten in different ways. I have also seen weight fluctuations as I try different foods and meals.
While reading Vegetarian Sports Nutrition by D. Ennette Larsen-Meyer she noted the value of multiple meals and good snacks to get the proper calories and fuel for work and for the day. I also got some good ideas from Brendan Brazier's, THRIVE. One of the best was eating raw almonds with dried apricots. What a boost and if I use a variety of fruits I get a nice all day snack. Occasionally sprout the almonds and eat with the fruit. I feel an extra jolt.
Another area of question or effort is when to eat, especially in relation to the workout. I am doing single daily workouts. I have been leaning on prework carb-heavy fuel and immediate post workout recovery food,i.e. smoothies with protein, fruit and oils. A little bit later a solid meal with a good balance. And all with adequate hydration. My lips are a great measure of my hydration. As they chap from cold I pay attention but if they crack I am "dry". Th same works in the summer but I am usually overdoing the drink in summer to keep safe with liquid and electrolytes.
While reading Vegetarian Sports Nutrition by D. Ennette Larsen-Meyer she noted the value of multiple meals and good snacks to get the proper calories and fuel for work and for the day. I also got some good ideas from Brendan Brazier's, THRIVE. One of the best was eating raw almonds with dried apricots. What a boost and if I use a variety of fruits I get a nice all day snack. Occasionally sprout the almonds and eat with the fruit. I feel an extra jolt.
Another area of question or effort is when to eat, especially in relation to the workout. I am doing single daily workouts. I have been leaning on prework carb-heavy fuel and immediate post workout recovery food,i.e. smoothies with protein, fruit and oils. A little bit later a solid meal with a good balance. And all with adequate hydration. My lips are a great measure of my hydration. As they chap from cold I pay attention but if they crack I am "dry". Th same works in the summer but I am usually overdoing the drink in summer to keep safe with liquid and electrolytes.
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