Runner's World Essential Guides

The question What should I eat? troubles 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 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 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. It's the whole package that promotes good health and peak athletic performance.