FOOD

Nutella on a multi-grain english muffin. That is my newest food obsession. I go through these phases of food obsessions every once in awhile. Previous to nutella it was Panera’s Fuji Apple Chicken Salad. I had to get one at least once a week. Just last week, however I had one and it just wasn’t the same.  Time to move on…

Whatever the latest fad is, my co-workers tease me relentlessly. This is, of course, because I stand at the computer snacking all day. I try to explain to them that after riding 90+ miles, I just can’t seem to get enough to eat! The combos are always a little crazy.  For a long time it was pretzel rods dipped in raspberry jelly.  Then I went with Wegmans pistachio blend with sourdough pretzels. For about a year I would drink a peach smoothie with whipped cream (actually, extra whipped cream) every time I worked. They know me well at the coffee bar at Dewitt! For another few months, at least, it was macaroni and cheese with applesauce.  I got a lot of strange looks at work with that one.  Peanut butter and honey on english muffins worked for me for all of last year as a post workout food…along with chocolate milk. The chocolate milk actually is still a part of my daily routine.  In college I went a whole year eating boiled Mrs. T’s pierogies with applesauce every night for dinner. My senior year of HS it was apples and cheese with unsalted matzoh for lunch and rice with raisins for dinner (my parents were thrilled ).  Before the girls were born it was a homemade strawberry smoothie every day…made with strawberries, plain fat free yogurt, orange juice and LOTS of sugar!

Obviously, I find myself thinking about food a lot lately!  And it’s not that “hey what new recipe can I try” thinking. It is the “how fast can I get something with lots of salt and calories into my system” thinking.  I  know some athletes out there follow a prescribed diet…counting carbs and proteins…sticking to whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables.  Not me – I like sugar and fat WAY too much!  Fortunately, I can basically eat what I want, not gain weight and still perform.  I am sure riding 80-90 mile rides each week contributes to this situation.  I remember when I did the Team in Training century ride and they told us to make sure we ate while we rode because we would be burning 5000 calories over 100 miles.  (This was before I started tris or even knew anything about biking. I did the whole ride on 2 power bars and 2 bottles of Gatorade…dumb!!).  When I did the Vermont Marathon, their athlete’s guide said that you burn 2500 calories running 26.2 miles.

I think I have mentioned this before but it floats back into my mind once in awhile…would I be that much better if I was more scientific about my diet? I don’t even weigh myself to see how much fluid I have lost.  Sometimes I don’t eat until a few hours after working out (drives Karen crazy)…depending on what my schedule is like. Eating does not usually fall at the top of my priority list.  Picking the girls up on time, not being late to work, taking care of Phoebe’s and Maggie’s needs, showering, etc …. these come first.  I am always asked how I fit it all in.  Well, I prioritize and some things don’t get done or get done later.  Yesterday after riding 97 miles and running 4.5 miles, I did not have time to eat because I had to go get the girls. After getting them, we ended up at Sno Top for ice cream. It was the best I could do to please them and get some post workout food.  (Hey – I got the turtle sundae…ice cream (carbs) and pecans (protein) and chocolate syrup (antioxidants??))!

So back to my obsession…for now, it’s nutella on an english muffin.  Give it a try!