Running on Food: A Splash of Southwest

 This article is part of a new series on Nutrition for Runners.   Heather from the blog, Trials of Training, has offered her expertise in Nutrition to runners in the Lounge to pass along information on recipes, nutrition, and running/food related questions.  She has her BS in Nutrition from Penn State, she is currently working to be a Registered Dietician, and is a loves to help runners with their questions.  

A splash of the Southwest in your post run fuel

by Heather

I’m home in New Mexico for the week, and it’s all about the food here! The first thing I do every time I visit is suggest we hit up a local New-Mexican restaurant that serves my favorite food. There are a lot of local joints, but this one takes the top spot easily.

Mexican-style food is usually some combination of rice, beans, meat, veggies, and a tortilla (fried or fresh!). In other words, it’s quite the balanced meal! I almost always go with the Chicken Fajitas. This dish comes with grilled vegetables (green peppers and onions), tortillas, lean meat, salsa and refried beans. Depending on preferences, you can add in some lettuce, sour cream (easy on this, its high-cal in restaurants!), guacamole and/or shredded cheddar cheese.

From a Nutrition standpoint, you’ve got a meal with protein (chicken and beans), carbohydrates (beans and tortillas), vegetables, and healthy fats (guacamole!). I chose this as my dinner Entrée last night, and felt great during my run this morning. It’s also a Great post-workout meal!

Here’s the breakdown*:

CHICKEN FAJITAS:

1 c Green peppers, sliced 
½ c Onion, sliced 
2 Flour tortillas (taco size) 
4 oz Grilled Chicken 
¼ c Refried Beans 
1 tbsp Guacamole 
2 tbsp Salsa

Sauté the peppers and onion in a small amount of Olive Oil. Grill/broil Chicken and cut into slices, season with Fajita seasoning if desired. Cook refried beans as directed (canned). Put it all together and add whatever extra toppings (mentioned above) that you’d like! 

(Nutrition information regards only the ingredients above)

Calories: 525 
Carbohydrates: 55 g 
Fats: 14 g 
Saturated Fat: 4 g 
Protein: 42 g  

*Nutrition information gathered from Calorie King (www.calorieking.com)

Comments

[Amy Reinink]

Yum! Sounds delicious! When we make burritos/fajitas at home, my husband marinates the chicken in tequila, fresh citrus juices (whatever you have on hand), garlic and a few sprinkles of various chili powders. In fact, might have to make some tonight -- though I'm sure it won't compare to the real thing in New Mexico!

[dr dre beats]

Right now, I'm longing for the melting sun & exhausting heat. But, I'm sure I'll change my mind in a few weeks and I'll be wishing for the ice cold air & killer winds I wished away a few weeks ago.