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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / holiday treats that benefit runners

holiday treats that benefit runners

December 8, 2021      10 Comments

Are there holiday treats that benefit runners? Is it possible that our favorite goodies can possibly be helpful to our sport? Friends, I don’t buy into “earning food rewards”, but it’s nice to know that our favorite holiday snacks might actually be good for us!

Gingerbread

Who doesn’t love a jaunty gingerbread person cookie? Ginger, the main ingredient, is a spice full of medical benefits, perfect for runners. First, it’s an anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxident. Ginger aids in digestion, which is super helpful, especially on long run and race days. Ingestion of ginger can help with menstrual cramps, and can also minimize the damage of osteoarthritis, which can negatively effect runner’s joints.

holiday treats that benefit runners

Candy Canes

Peppermint, and therefore candy canes, is another incredible tool in a runner’s holiday arsenal. Indigestion is no match for peppermint, which is helpful to any runner who has ever suffered from GI troubles. Peppermint is known to help ease period cramps, similar to ginger. It sharpens focus (which is great for dedication to your running goals), and combats seasonal allergies and sinus issues, helping runners breathe more easily. Let’s show some love for this red and white treat!

holiday treats that benefit runners

Egg Nog

Raise your hand if you think it’s unfair that eggnog is only available for a couple months a year. Runners, take note. Egg nog is loaded with potassium, which we all know is amazing at alleviating muscle cramps. It’s also great for the regulation of fluids and blood pressure. And if you drink the full dairy version, you’re getting a punch of calcium and vitamins A, B2, and B12, which are all great for overall performance. Drink up!

holiday treats that benefit runners

Hot Cocoa

I have long been a supporter of the health benefits of chocolate, so now it’s time for hot cocoa to shine. Runners can rest easy knowing that cocoa powder provides plenty of fiber and iron, while also acting as an antioxidant. The polyphenols in cocoa can lead to reduction in inflammation, blood pressure, and blood sugar, while improving blood flow and cholesterol. Also, chocolate can make us happy, and happy runners are the best runners, All we need to know is if you’d prefer whipped cream or marshmallows.

holiday treats that benefit runners

What are your favorite holiday treats and how are they beneficial to you as a runner?

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Comments

  1. Catrina says

    December 8, 2021 at 6:11 am

    I love cookies in every variation! Unfortunately, there’s nothing really beneficial about them other than carbohydrates for running fuel.
    Your point about Gingerbread cookies reminded me of a drink that I recently discovered: kombucha with ginger and lemon. Not only delicious but also very healthy!

    Reply
  2. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    December 8, 2021 at 9:50 am

    This is great to know! I am not a fan of eggnog but I’ve already had a few cups of hot cocoa this month.

    Reply
  3. Wendy says

    December 8, 2021 at 12:23 pm

    I love all these things, so this is great information. Not to be the buzz kill, but for this RA sufferer, the sugar is the issue–it definitely increases my inflammation. But everything in moderation, right?

    Reply
  4. Deborah Brooks says

    December 8, 2021 at 12:43 pm

    Everything in moderation all year round! Love the seasonal twist on this

    Reply
  5. Darlene says

    December 8, 2021 at 1:23 pm

    Glad to hear. I love egg nog.

    Reply
  6. Jenny says

    December 8, 2021 at 2:42 pm

    Ha, I like your attitude! Bring on the treats! I’m actually eating gingerbread waffles right now- for that anti-inflammatory benefits of course! In all seriousness, I don’t believe in depriving ourselves. I like to make “healthier” versions of things- like my waffles are sweetened with monk fruit and stevia (Wendy’s previous comment is absolutely correct) but they’re still delicious and the gingerbread flavor shines through. YUM!

    Reply
  7. Denise says

    December 9, 2021 at 1:26 am

    I love that you found something healthy and positive in these treats. Everything in moderation.

    Reply
  8. Coaching Session - Shathiso Coyne says

    December 9, 2021 at 2:25 pm

    Love this! Yesterday we had gingerbread smoothies with candy canes for supper! Delish and tasted really Christmassy!

    Reply
  9. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    December 10, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    You know I drink my hot chocolate year round.

    I am a big fan of ginger — I actually use dark chocolate covered ginger before some runs & in halfs, but I have to agree with someone else — nothing wrong with cookies as a treat, but I not so sure they’re actually beneficial health wise. I do ut ginger in my oatmeal, for instance. Along with cardamom, cinnamon & a little Chile powder in the colder season — all warming spices with health benefits & they taste good too!
    Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…My Top 5 Yogi Tea FlavorsMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Laura says

    December 14, 2021 at 5:33 pm

    Gingerbread is my favorite holiday cookie! I would eat it anyway but it’s nice to know the ginger and molasses can give an extra boost.

    Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
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