After my energy depleted day yesterday I decided to look at my diet in general. If I am lacking in iron, I am probably lacking in a lot of other things to.
I am shocked. When I actually thought about what I eat and don't eat I am surprised I am functioning. I took last week as a sample week.
Lack of iron
No red meat at all. In fact nothing on the iron rich foods list, exept a small serving of broccoli and a serving of bean soup Friday at lunch.
Lack of protien
I figured I wasn't eating red meat because I was eating other meats, like chicken or fish. Ahhh, no. I used to eat chicken all the time but got bored with it and stopped, so last week I had one serving of chicken on Saturday night. I made a thai shrimp pasta on Wednesday night and had leftovers for lunch on Thursday. I doubt there was a full protein serving in both meals combined.
I am good with eggs. I had scrambled eggs twice this week, and toasted western at the market on Saturday morning.
Lack of dairy
I don't like dairy products. I can have certain cheeses, if they are mild and most definitely have to be melted. Yoghurt, milk, cottage cheese, cream etc, make me ill.
I am guessing that due to my lack of dairy I am probably lacking in calicum.
So what am I eating?
A combination of carbs, vegetables and fruit with some peanut butter, and oh yeah chips. I am basically a vegetarian without knowing it.
I need to come up with a healthy menu for this week. The thought of everything I have to include is overwhelming, which makes me want to go and order a burger and fries for lunch.
i usually don't eat that much protein and can't tolerate dairy products either. So when it came to making sure i was getting all the nutritions during hard training i had to include a protein shake every morning. i could mix it with soy milk or juice and ice - Spiru-Tein, vanilla tasted best for me: http://www.naturesplus.com/products/productDetail.asp?criteria=search&searchVar=4580&productnumber=4580&category=25
I highly recommend the Good Times Tangy Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich. It is grilled chicken (meat/protein), cheese (dairy), lettuce (vegetable), and a pineapple ring (fruit) all served on a delicious whole wheat bun (grains). It's better than any multi-vitamin, it's all your food groups in one serving.
This is totally how my little Nutrionathon got started. Once I realized that I wasn't fueling myself for all this runnig, it totally made sense that I was exhausted!
It's good that you are realizing that you need to eat better. I know that I don't eat right for running, so keep us updated as to how you are doing and maybe I'll get inspired too!
Did you just say "I don't like dairy products?" That could be the craziest thing I've ever heard.
Eat some liver.
I was just thinking the same thing myself. I never really ever eat any meat, poultry or fish. I guess I have vegetarian tendencies messed up by the occasional hot dog or hamburger. I eat alot of veggie or bean soup which probably has a beef or chicken stock - so I guess I can't claim the title. But CHEESE?? Are you kidding I crave dairy. Count your blessings that you don't like it and pop calcium.