10 Diet Myths Runners Should Know But Probably Don't

Running & Diet should be seen as 12 sides of the same coin... so why are there so many common mistakes made when you do focus on both?

This week i've come up with the 10 Diet Myths Runners Should Know But Probably Don't in the hope that they will help you dial in that diet and make it work for your running, not against!

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[CatsAreTheBestPeople-mmfo]

Now THERE'S an idea: Mary starting a runner's cooking channel. I'd watch that! 👩‍🍳👍

[missingmimic]

I've heard the saying you don't get a runners body, you have a runners body. Meaning that people who "look like they run" (thin) probably already had that body type. A lot of years I spent running I wasted thinking of it as a way to get thin. Now I run for my health and pleasure, and due to consistency I've gained muscle.

[sebastiand]

Eating shortly before going to bed impairs sleep quality, at least for me. So stop eating 1-2 hours before going to bed makes sense for me, despite of not having an impact on body weight.

[jonathanpeck]

My biggest problem is when I have a lot of non-running coworkers who tell me, " eat whatever you want because you're a runner you will burn it off!!" That's a real struggle.

[angelfdeath]

I’m as Aussie GP and the electrolyte replacement is under appreciated by lots of runners. Also that 30min window bugs me. It’s like the anabolic window for weight lifting.. amazing how it persists

[GTE_Channel]

Regarding the carbs vs low carb thing I think the problem is that people polarize it to much. And I believe that the combination of the two is the key. Running low carb or fasted on some training does get your body better to utilise fats for fuel, thats a fact. But when racing all out on high intensity on longer distances carbs are definitely a better choise for nearly everyone. Basically what you also stated.

However Dave Scott is a 6 time Kona Ironman triathlon champion. He follows a keto diet. So its not like there are no examples at the top level who use this during training/racing.

[fleetpete_vfl]

Eating late may not have a weight gain effect but it does affect your sleep

[Grgrsn]

I think the reason people advice against eating 2-3 hours before bed time, is that it can disrupt quality of sleep and that in turn can have an effect on weightgain

[wunderlichdrive]

I hadn't heard those aspects of fasted runs before. I don't eat anything before runs under 16k and only 1-2 bananas for long runs. However, my reasoning is that I always run in the morning and I prefer an empty stomach as i find it hard to run on a full stomach and I really really really hate being on a long run and suddenly having to search for a toilet when I am running through the countryside. I much prefer having no bowel complaints during my runs.

[CathTrMo]

Mary we need your recipes! Those tacos sound and look amazing!

[RyanLeggrow]

I’ve been watching your channel lately one of the biggest challenges is slowing my pace down I’m a 52 year old male been running consistently now I would say over 15 years try to do between 50 60 miles aweek. Good thing is I’m always learning. First was stretching. That took time to sink in! Then came diet very very important!!! Then came the marathons I would say someone who is as thick headed as me it takes about a good three of to realize how to run one. And now I’m trying to do the slow run 🏃 I always was one to push push push mentality of no pain no gain and I’m learning that’s not true

[headstart.running]

Thanks Ben & Mary!

As a runner here in sweaty Brisbane starting a training block over the summer in the build up to Tokyo in March, I love seeing you guys keep running in Thailand! So many Uk & US based channels fail to appreciate the challenges of warm climate running!

Great point on electrolytes - I need to be more disciplined on that.

Also - Mary’s cooking channel: YES please!!!! So many of us *want* to eat healthier but struggle with the required skills in the supermarket and kitchen. Itd be great to have help.

Have a great run in New York - im sure you’ll both smash it!!! 💪💪

[Nwt]

great vid as always, personally i love running fasted i feel better doing it, I tend to find if i eat then run I feel bloated and sluggish even if i eat 3 hours before a run... so if i run in the evening I dont eat after mid day. so far it works for me 😁

[nnnnhpu]

I just subscribed. I'm switching fat for muscle. I used to go on 35 mile runs like they were nothing. I have a winged scapula. It will probably go away with excercises and weight loss. I only walk for exercise because of hunger reasons. Running makes me hungry and I'm too heavy now. I walked 2 times per day for an hour each time before I got Covid-19 five days ago.

[rowinggolfer]

"_Fewer_ calories".
Calorie is a good example of a countable noun. (Not that I count mine).
But I am being pedantic. Great video Ben and Mary. Go well in New York.

[karellevaillancourt]

Thanks for the video! Lots of good info! The only one I'm maybe a bit sceptical about is the whole sleeping before eating conversation. I've recently read the book "The circadian code" by Dr. Satchin Panda, who's a leader in the circadian rythm research field, and from what I've understood, his research has shown that eating less than 3 hours before bed has an impact on recovery because the body needs to spend its energy on digesting instead!

[NewSkiwi]

I think you would like Ari Whitten's book Eat for Energy. How to beat fatigue, supercharge your mitochondria, and unlock all-day energ.

[gabrielples]

Since water is not enough, I'm wondering where do the hunter-gatherer tribes get their electrolytes? And what did modern runners do before there were electrolytes?

[advanced_beginner]

One myth that drives me nuts is “pizza is unhealthy”. Depends on the pizza and the toppings. You can eat plenty of delicious pizzas on thin crust that were way healthier than a salad loaded with sugary dressing.

[vivienblack]

Great video! I love a coffee when I get back from a run. It just makes me feel human again 😂.