You have decided to change your lifestyle and become a runner. Congratulations! Running is a great way to lose weight and be active. However, it is not always easy to find the right diet for you as a new runner. This article is an overview of the various types of diets available for runners and which one suits you best. It will also examine the pros and cons of each diet style so you can make the right choice for your personal needs.
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is an ingredient commonly found in energy drinks and supplements. It is a nutrient which provides your body with energy. While studies have shown that ingesting Creatine Monohydrate does not cause weight gain, it does not seem to help with fat loss either. In fact, a review of thirteen studies found that creatine monohydrate had no effect on body weight or body mass index (BMI) when compared to a placebo. However, the studies showed that creatine monohydrate improved muscle strength and energy levels in those who took it.
The good news is that you can find Creatine Monohydrate in natural food stores and pharmacies. Just make sure that you read the ingredients on the packaging to ensure that it is indeed the correct supplement for you.
Protein Powder
Protein powder is another dietary supplement that is often recommended to runners who want to lose weight. Like Creatine Monohydrate, protein powder has also been found to have little effect on weight loss. According to a study conducted at Loughborough University, consuming a protein gel every day for twelve weeks did not result in significant weight loss. The reason for this could be that the protein powder was not palatable enough for the participants or that it was deficient in some nutrients. Another possibility could be that the participants had not yet reached their genetic potential to lose weight. Whatever the case, protein powder is not a suitable choice for those who want to lose weight as it has been shown to have little effect on weight loss.
The benefit of protein powder is that it provides the body with a good balance of amino acids. This can help to build more muscle mass and ultimately make you stronger. However, the lack of significant weight loss is a concern as it can encourage the consumption of unhealthy foods.
Red Meat
Red meat is a dietary source of protein which provides your body with essential nutrients. Eating red meat can also raise your body’s insulin levels which encourage the body to store fat. According to the American Institute for Cancer Prevention, eating a diet that includes processed meats, such as sausages and hot dogs, could increase your risk of developing cancer by 20 to 40 percent. This is mainly because the cancer-causing compounds in these foods are not removed during the processing stage. The good news is that red meat does not need to be avoided altogether as long as you are not trying to lose weight. Instead, it simply needs to be moderated. Eating lean cuts of red meat several times a week can help with weight loss while still providing your body with essential nutrients.
Vegetarianism
A vegetarian diet is one which does not include any animal products, such as meat, fish, or dairy. Many people choose a vegetarian diet for ethical reasons as it is believed that consuming animal products encourages animal cruelty. There is also the option of becoming a vegan which promotes veganism. A vegan diet excludes all animal products and also products which are made from animals, such as wool and leather. Both of these diets are high in fiber which helps to keep you full for longer. This can discourage you from consuming excess calories and lead to weight loss. There are many pros and cons to both of these diets and it is a personal decision as to which one is best suited to your needs. If you are looking for a diet which is quick and easy to follow, then a vegetarian diet may be the perfect choice for you.
Water
It is important to stay hydrated while on a diet which promotes weight loss. Dehydration can cause headaches, drowsiness, and even make you feel less motivated to exercise. If you are already drinking the recommended eight glasses of water each day, then there is no need to change anything else. Just continue doing what you are doing already and stay hydrated. Drinking water can also help to lower your cholesterol levels which is great for your health in general.
Determining which diet is best for you depends on your personal preferences. Some people like the idea of a vegan diet while others prefer the taste of meat. The choice is entirely up to you. As long as you are not doing anything which harms animals or the environment, then it is acceptable to experiment with different dietary changes to see which one works best for you.