For as long as I can remember I’ve always sought out delicious food. I used Chowhound (before it was acquired); I subscribe to Eater; and I let the James Beard Foundation, other food experts and recommendations from foodies influence where MLH and I dine next. What’s interesting is now that I’m well into training for my upcoming races, depending on the training session 20%-50% of my daily calories consist of energy gels, protein bars, recovery drinks, pre-training meals, nutrition drinks/smoothies and hydration liquids. I think manufacturers of these products have come a long way in terms of nutrition content and even taste. These days I feel as though my meals are on two opposite ends of the spectrum: pure nutrition to prepare for training, help endure my training and recover from my training versus meals to savor. (Yes at times I have to resort to a frozen meal or crappy food. Those are the only meals/snacks I dread consuming.) Both training grub and delicious food give me great satisfaction for very different reasons.
Some of my Training Grub: