Tri Camp Meal Planning

Well, it’s off to tri camp this weekend.  Three days of “living like a pro, only more fun!”  This is my fourth year at camp and I am so excited.  With a weekend dedicated to cycling, running, mountain biking, meeting new people and yapping about triathlon, it’s sure to be a fun-filled time.  It’s also a weekend full of temptation, as evidenced by the Nutella-covered Rice Krispie treats I indulged in last year.  When you’re surrounded by food, some healthy options and some not so healthy options and doing multiple training sessions a day, it’s easy to adopt the mindset, oh, I’ll work this off.  Even if that is the case, you may be hindering your recovery by indulging in foods which spike blood sugar and create inflammation.  So on top of a heavy training load for the weekend and most likely less than ideal sleep due to shared sleeping quarters, you could be stymieing your true potential with the foods you’re eating.  In an effort to stay on track this year, I have planned ahead for my meals and am bringing some of my own food to supplement what is being provided as part of camp.  I think these options could apply to any time you’re travelling or are in a situation with “group” meals.

Breakfast options:
  • Plain quick oats, not flavored instant, with some crushed nuts and sunflower seeds.
  • Fresh fruit
  • Smoothie with combination of fruit/veggie/fat
 Lunch options:
  • Salad
  • Nut mix
  • Kind bars (check for lower glycemic options)
  • Paleo bread with nut butter
  • Olives
 Dinner options:
  • Veggie burger, no bun
  • Salad
  • Homemade veggie chili/stew, prepared ahead and easily reheated
  • Mashed sweet potatoes, prepared ahead
  • Gluten free, vegan, chocolate peanut butter balls (recipe http://ohsheglows.com/2013/12/16/peanut-better-balls/  I omitted the rice krisp cereal since I didn't have the gluten free version).
Fueling/Hydration:
  • Dates
  • Fruit
  • Peanut butter packets
  • Gluten free bars
  • Clif shot blocks and Gu, for use in fueling emergency
  • Nuun

Hopefully, these options will allow me to maximize the opportunities for training while indulging a little and not falling completely off the NSNG wagon.   Until next week, train hard and recover hard.  Eat real food!