College Bloggers: Erzsebet Nagy (Middlebury College) #3

Erzsie’s College Running Blog #3

Erzsebet Nagy will be a freshman at Middlebury College in the fall. Nagy had a very succesful high school running career that ended this spring with 3 individual state title (1600,800, 3200). Nagy is the Maine All-time record holder for 800m with a 2:13.50 clocking. Follow along as Nagy chronciles her summer xc training as she preps for her first collegiate season.

 

 

Food

 

 

The body is a wonderful, incredible machine; a distance runner’s body is a rare and delicate breed. Even though we use lots of calories to fuel our bodies through mile after mile, the quality of those calories is very important. Along with getting enough calories, it is crucial to eat nutrient-rich foods. I think that fueling your body correctly is equally as important as training, in order to reach maximum performance.

            I am not an official vegetarian or vegan, nor am I on the paleo diet. I just try to eat healthy, nutritious, whole foods. Researching nutrition and how it correlates to athletic performance is very interesting to me. I highly recommend Scott Jurek’s book Eat and Run, and well as Suzy Favor Hamilton’s book Fast Track.

            With my free time this summer, I have been experimenting in the kitchen and whipping up lots of healthy, delicious recipes (as my instagram followers are well aware). The following recipes are nutrient-rich and I hope everyone tries and loves them! If anybody wants more recipes (pancakes, salads, mug cakes, etc.) just ask!

 

Granola: not as sugar filled as store-bought; perfect for topping Greek yogurt and oatmeal, or just eating by the handful

  • Combine the following dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix:

3 cups oats

¼ cup flax seeds

½ cup nuts (I like walnuts)

½ cup wheat germ

1 tsp cinnamon

½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

½ cup raw pumpkin seeds

½ cup craisins

½ cup goji berries

 

  • Add the binders:

1/3 cup sweetener (such as brown rice syrup, honey, or maple syrup)

¼ cup olive oil

 

  • Stir until well combined and dry ingredients are thoroughly coated with the binders
  • Spread out on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 F until golden brown (especially apparent on the coconut flakes)
  • Note: you can use whatever nuts and dried fruit you like, but I just made this recipe and it came out so well!

 

Green Chocolatey Protein Smoothie: the cocoa in this cancels out the green color, so it doesn’t look as scary to eat

 

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth

2 handfuls spinach

1 handful kale

½ banana

½ cup each of frozen strawberries and raspberries

1 scoop chocolate protein powder (whey is okay, but I use a plant-based protein powder)

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1 dollop of greek yogurt

about 1 cup of liquids, depending on desired consistency (I use water and almond milk, but any kind of liquid works)

 

Top with homemade granola and enjoy after a run for recovery!