Nike Running is my favorite running app I’ve used to far! Along with run tracking, timing, goal setting, BPM, and guided runs, they post tips to healthy lifestyles!
Since about April, I have tried to eat and use processed foods as little as possible. This is because I noticed the positive impact this had on my physical and mental health!
Nike Running posted an article the other day on this same subject. Brian St. Pierre, Director of Nutrition at Precision Nutrition states that,
“Eating whole fruits, vegetables, protein, and minimally processed foods can help improve your mood, increase your energy, and improve your sleep and recovery….In the long term, all of those things should make you a better runner.”
“Look at your diet as a continuum…This means asking yourself, what nutrition choices can I make that are just a little bit better than what I’m doing now? Maybe thats drinking one less soda a day or swapping a cookie at lunch with a piece of fruit. You make the tweak, then you ask yourself the question again, week after week.”
“Become a Better Runner Without Running.” Nike.com, http://www.nike.com/eg/a/7-ways-to-become-a-better-runner-without-running.
Although this article is pointed towards becoming a better runner, limiting processed foods has an impact on people of all activity levels.
Personally, I have noticed a big change in my energy! I sleep better, feel happier before and after eating, and I am able to run faster. I don’t run nearly as much as I used to anymore because the summer is so busy. However, my mile times are still faster than before because I have more pep in my step! (literally!)
Its hard and impossible to cut out all processed foods from your diet, but I recommend cutting out a lot of cold cuts, chips, and items with a lot of ingredient lists! Something may seem healthy, but the long list of ingredients shows that there are a lot of no good artificial ingredients. Try this out in little bits at a time, I promise your energy will jump up !
Growing Healthies 
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