One complaint that I frequently hear from marathoners-in-training is, "I'm so sick of pasta!" Pasta is a popular pre-race or pre-long run meal for long distance runners because it's easy to make, it's not expensive, and it supplies those much-needed carbs. But even though it comes in many shapes and flavors, the pasta routine can get boring.
If you're one of those runners who's bored with pasta, quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a tasty alternative. Quinoa is a grain that has a fluffy, creamy, almost crunchy texture and a nutty flavor when cooked. It's not only packed with carbs, it's also very rich in protein. A 6-ounce serving of quinoa contains 132 calories, 23 grams of carbohydrate, 4 grams of protein, and 2 grams of unsaturated fat.
Quinoa can be found in the grain section at health food stores and some supermarkets. Cooking quinoa is very similar to boiling rice. It's an excellent side dish to accompany fish or chicken. You can also eat it cold to go along with a salad.
More:
- Best Foods for Runners
- 5 Smart Eating Rules for Runners
- What Should I Eat Before a Long Run?
- Greek Quinoa Salad Recipe
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I’ve been serving quinoa for a while now. It’s a great meal! Boil it in a little vegetable broth, and toss in a few diced vegetables. It’s great!