The Day My Wife Found Out That I Wanted to See a Nutritionist!

Yes, this is a typical evening at hour house when I come home. And that kitchen is most certainly not created by AI! 😉

“Honey, I’m home!” was my usual greeting to my darling wife after a long day of wholesome union work.  Then I added, “And I’ve scheduled an appointment with a nutritionist.”

All motion screeched to an immediate halt with a sound akin to someone lifting a needle from a record.

“You’ve what?”

I sought to ease her unintended anxiety.  “My darling dearest, I only did this with the thought of improving my running…”

The next words froze in my throat as I dodged the boiling hot dish of uber-cheesy macaroni hurling towards me.  

“How dare you!”

“Dear heart, I love your cooking!  It’s that…” A quick pivot enabled me to just miss the rolling pin hurling my way! “I wanted to improve what I ate at breakfast…”  Now I ducked as a huge cutting board flew where my head had been. “...and lunch.  When I’m not…” I executed a series of body rolls that took out of the path of the remaining kitchen knives flung towards me! “...eating one of your exquisite and totally, completely, without-any-question healthy meals.”

She put down the butcher’s knife now in her hand.  “Awww, sweetie pie.  Why didn’t you say that in the first place?  You’re the best hubbie-husband ever!”

Taking her in my arms, I smiled.  “And you’re the most wonderfulest wifey a man could ever have.”  My words ended with a kiss.

Amy's insisting that turnabout is fair play. So yes, this is exactly what I look like at the end of my workday. No AI whatsoever in this picture either.😉

Okay, so when I told Amy that I’d scheduled an appointment with a nutritionist, it didn’t really go down quite like that.  But she did have questions.  Good ones as to my reasons.

Let me be clear. Amy is an outstanding cook who prepare meals that are both amazing and healthy. My seeking a nutritionist was indeed to address breakfast and lunch.

Those reasons were to really to address some of the frequent injuries I was experiencing with the focus on meals I didn’t have with Amy.  Since that day in 2021, I’ve worked with two nutritionists.  Their guidance has benefited both my running and overall health.  

From them, I’ve picked up on several “Basic Rules” that I’m sharing below.  

Basic Rule #1 - Our Bodies Need Fuel to Run.  Kind of a “no brainer.”  But being too focused on my weight, I have to remind myself that absent sustenance, my legs aren’t going to find much speed or energy for a workout or race.  Even a relaxed run can feel akin to pulling teeth.  That doesn’t mean consuming a red velvet cake before bed.  But don’t skimp on breakfast or lunch.

Basic Rule #2 - Carbs Are Not the Enemy.  Since we burn glycogens (stored carbs) when we run, it only makes sense to restore what we lose.  But here’s where quality matters.  Offer a resounding “no” to foods with refined sugars, flour tortillas, white bread and pastries.  Instead embrace fruit, oats, rice, potatoes and whole-grain foods.

Click here for a recipe for "Health Slow-Cooker Red Chili With Meat".

Basic Rule #3 - Proteins Handle the Repairs.  Since my knee surgery, the protein has been amped up to assist my meniscus in it’s recovery.  On average, we should eat 0.6–0.8 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight per day.  These include some of my favorites like wild salmon and grass-fed beef.  But don’t stop there.  Add in lentils, Greek yogurt and cheese.

Basic Rule #4 - Hydration is Our Friend!  I’m guilty of not doing this enough.  Basically, if we feel thirsty, we are thirsty.  But if you insist on something more specific, the middle schooler in me wants to point out that releasing clear urine is good, but the more yellow, the more dehydrated you are.

Basic Rule #5 - Consistency is King (or Queen)!  Put it another way, one donut at the office or an afternoon consuming salty snacks while watching Oregon put away some hapless opponent won’t derail your training.  But chronic under fueling will.  We’re athletes.  So eat like athletes.  And enjoy food without fear.

Basic Rule #6 - Now Comes the Fun Part.  What I’ve shared are broad guidelines for all of us. But each of us are unique individuals who have differing goals with running.  We are also coming from different places.  Age, gender, weight, previous injuries, goals and other factors play key roles in fine tuning our nutrition goals.  To zero in what you actually need is where a nutritionist comes in. 

Click here for a recipe for "Slow Cooker Moroccan-Style Sweet Potato & Chickpea Stew"

Take my current circumstances.  Last fall when I was told that arthritis was the culprit for my ailing knee, my diet worked to include a host of anti-inflammatory foods.  But when that misdiagnosis showed a torn meniscus, then protein become important in my recovery.  And now that I’m moving back into running, it’s moving to more carbs to provide the energy I’ll need.

Just as I recommend a running coach to help with training, I just as strongly suggest a meeting with a nutritionist to fine tune your diet and reach your running goals.

My Wife's a Good Sport!

I know.  I know.  My wife is nothing like she’s depicted at the start of this post.  Truth is, Amy is remarkable woman.  She’s also created a business providing guidance to women about menopause.  Her website is at this link with her book, "Hot Flashes & Cold Truths: A No-Nonsense Guide to Menopause", is available here.

Don’t worry.  An exquisite dinner at her favorite restaurant in Des Moines will be the price I pay for that picture.

Thanks for reading the blog and feel free to add your thoughts on this topic!

Click here for a recipe for "Chicken, Red Pepper & Spinach Stir-Fry" and other nutrient-dense meals.