With 4 weeks until the most physically challenging day of my life, preparations are at a whole new level. In addition to the daily swim, bike, run grind there are yoga sessions, time on the ice with the hockey team I coach and a host of logistics to manage such as traveling to Phoenix for the race, time off from work, gear maintenance, etc.
One of my favorite parts of this whole endeavor is experimenting with plant-powered nutrition for recovery and laying the groundwork for an optimal race day on November 16. While devoid of illusions that I’ll be booking my ticket to Kona anytime soon, my journey is one that dispels many of the vegan myths that dominate popular culture.
As I’m still fairly new to endurance sports, one of the overriding challenges is the need to fuel with a plan that encompasses both heavy and light training days. This has meant lots of trial and error in figuring out what foods (and combinations) work best.
Here are 3 highlights of my vegan training foods.
1.) Avocados are Awesome!
I typically eat at least half of one each day. As I stayed away from this green delight for my first 30 years or so I’m now making up for lost time. Who knew you could make chocolate pudding with avocados as the base? One of my favorite recovery treats is simple pudding made in the Vitamix. I’ll blend 4-6 avocados with some coconut, carob powder, agave and a splash of almond milk. The result is a rich and luscious treat that is good for any training occasion.
2.) Fruit, Fruit and More Fruit
In recent years, I’ve started eating more fruit as I’m trying to minimize the amount of processed foods that I’m eating. Training has taken this to another level. Although I like pretty much all fruit, I go through phases where I can’t get enough of one thing or another. It’s currently grapes and peaches. I try to bring a peach whenever I can to a workout or hot yoga class. The sweetness gives me an instant jolt of energy and hydration. Another favorite is watermelon for both hydration and post-workout recovery
3.) Sweet Potatoes
Another amazing food that goes into my ‘can’t believe I didn’t like it before’ category. I mostly attribute this to traditional holiday meals. I was a fairly picky carnivore and couldn’t stomach the sweet potatoes that were drenched in butter and marshmallows. These days, we typically buy a bag of them on the weekend, cut into cubes and bake with a splash of hemp oil, some salt & pepper and some garlic. With our hectic schedules, we then have something that we can combine with various other foods, whether it’s a salad, pasta, stir fry or hippie bowl. In recent weeks, I’ve started bagging them and bringing on long bike rides. I’ve found this fiber-rich superfood to be an invaluable training food that packs nutrients and is easily digestible.
Living the plant-powered life presents so many ways to enjoy amazing foods and training has helped me explore new ways to fuel my mind, body and soul!