Diet and nourishment for runners can be as uncomplicated or else as difficult as you intend to make it. I have given four straightforward diet points that should assist to make you fitter, stronger and a quicker jogger at any distance you wish to compete.
1. Plan your diet

Develop a wise consumption strategy that you can stick to. It ought to be one that will suit your lifestyle. Don't set yourself excessive targets for what you eat. Unless you're gravely overweight, it'sdoubtfulthat you will have to put together too many changes to your diet.

The primary point to work out is write down what you are consuming at present. Then sit down with a pen and paper and ask yourself a few questions about your eating lifestyle. Do you have breakfast? Are you hungry by mid morning? Do you feel drowsy and hungry by the time you run in the evening? If your diet is repetitive and boring you may not be getting the variety of foods necessary for adequate nutrient intake. By recording what you eat you will find out if you are being too repetitive with your diet. Also studies, such as that conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services in America, have shown that people who record what they eat, tend to eat less than people who don't keep a record.
2. Snacking

Frequent snacking throughout the day is a good way to avoid low blood sugar levels and tiredness by the time you get home for your run. Research shows that eating little and often is best for runners as long as you're eating the right things. Take high- carbohydrate snacks to work with you so that you aren't caught out. Avoid high-fat snacks such as crisps and chocolate. Go for high-carbohydrate and low-fat snacks such as fruit or cereal bars.
3. Main meals

Whilst it is good to have regular snacks through the day it is important not to skip on your main meals. Pasta is the number one choice for runners. Other options are baked potatoes, rice, lentils, beans, pulses, and muesli. Watch out for pre-packed meals as they often contain high levels of saturated fats and salt which you want to avoid.
4. Supplements

If you are eating a well balanced diet there should be no need to spend lots of money on supplements. Some people do benefit from supplements in certain circumstances, for example, taking Vitamin D tablets during the winter months. However, most people should be able to get the vitamins and minerals from the food they eat. Do not think that a supplement will completely satisfy your nutritional needs. Taking a pill might give you the recommended daily amount of a particular vitamin, but you also need protein, minerals, fibre and energy in the form of calories. Pills will not give you this. Maintain a well balanced diet and proper nutrition and you will improve as a runner. What you eat is just as important as the amount of training you undertake. Get your diet right and you will notice the difference in your performance.Michael Saville has a blog to provide advice for new runners and those wanting to raise funds for charity through running events at Running and Fundraising