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.
A long time runner, in the football off-season and started for fun after football in the 80's.-became a vegan after a Dairy free experiment- Now I think about running, hiking, gardening and food and try to write about this way of living. Removal of dairy from diet in 2003 was successful for pain reduction and elimination of inflammation. -followed with complete removal of animal products in diet Now keeping track of thoughts , feelings and challenges.
A long time runner, in the football off-season and started for fun after football in the 80's.-became a vegan after a Dairy free experiment- Now I think about running, hiking, gardening and food and try to write about this way of living. Removal of dairy from diet in 2003 was successful for pain reduction and elimination of inflammation. -followed with complete removal of animal products in diet Now keeping track of thoughts , feelings and challenges.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
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.