Runner's World Essential Guides: Fast Fuel: Everything You Need to Know about What to Eat for Optimum Energy on the Run

What should I eat? The question dogs all of us on a daily basis, but it’s perhaps most vexing for runners, who rely on food to fuel their workouts and feel good. Most runners take in lots of calories and nutrients in the form of energy bars, nutrient-enhanced drinks, and fortified packaged foods. The problem is, "real" foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats—are better for you than fortified products. That’s because there’s more to a carrot or a sweet potato than just vitamin A. Within the body, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients work together with literally thousands of other compounds, such as color components in fruits and vegetables, special starches and fibers in whole grains, and unique fats in seeds, nuts, and dairy. And it’s the whole package that promotes good health and peak athletic performance.
Of course, protein bars and calcium-fortified juices seem like a convenient way to take in all of the nutrients every runner needs daily. But getting them—and more—from real food is preferable, and it’s easy. Runner's World Essential Guides: Fast Fuel shows you exactly how. The foremost authorities on running on the planet have collected the best information, tips, and advice about eating on the run. This indispensable guide covers everything from eating for optimum energy, to cooking simple, healthy meals to snacking smart, and shopping for the best of the best foods to store in your pantry and fridge.