The LA Marathon is just a few days away!

I was asked to share this info in exchange for free grub. Score!
I received an email last week with some interesting data about the eating habits of Angelenos along with some fueling tips for the L.A. Marathon on Sunday, March 9. If you’re in town for the LA Marathon, or for any other reason, take a look at this info for eats that are healthy and convenient.

Based on the best fuel for runners and athletes pre- and post-race, the analysts at GrubHub Seamless (the online and mobile food-ordering company) took a look at how L.A. stacks up against the nation with regard to their “fuel” preferences. A year’s worth of GrubHub Seamless order data shows that diners in L.A. are 46% more likely to order from restaurants self-identified as offering healthy cuisine, and lead the nation in the following marathon-friendly food orders:

• Cottage cheese: 400% more popular in L.A. than throughout the rest of the nation
• Bananas: 52% more popular in L.A. than throughout the rest of the nation
• Yogurt: 48% more popular in L.A. than throughout the rest of the nation
• Salads: 36% more popular in L.A. than throughout the rest of the nation
• Oatmeal: 15% more popular in L.A. than throughout the rest of the nation

This seems about right to me – the foods listed are pretty much my staple items for healthy eating. I guess I’m a typical Angeleno.

In addition to looking into L.A.’s fitness-friendly order data, the takeout experts at GrubHub Seamless have put together numerous tips and tricks to keep in mind for those interested in learning about healthy takeout options and/or gaining an edge for Sunday’s race.  Here are some ordering, nutrition and hydration tips. Included a few specific recommendations for L.A. diners ordering takeout!

The Runner’s Guide to Ordering Delivery:

 The following restaurants in L.A. offer fitness-friendly food and beverage options for race and workout fueling.

Day Before:

• Breakfast: Try the Vees Cafe Classic (penne pasta) with a Picker-Upper Juice from Vees Cafe
• Lunch: Try an Arrostito Salad with a side of Brown Rice and a J-Bates Juice from Sprouted Garden Cafe
• Dinner: Try a Curried Potato Bowl with a Green Energizer Juicefusion from Dr J’s Vibrant Cafe

Day Of:

• Breakfast: Try a Bagel with Peanut Butter and Jelly from The Bagel Broker (make sure to utilize the special instructions box and ask them to hold the jelly)
• Recovery Meal: Try a Green Goddess Smoothie with Green Powder added and a Harmless Harvest Raw Coconut Water at Nite Moon Cafe
• Dinner: Try Spaghetti and Meatballs with a side of Grilled or Steamed Vegetables from California Fresh Pizza

Pre-run nutrition & hydration tips: It’s no surprise you need to be properly fueled with the right foods and fluids to run your best; but did you know when you eat is equally critical? Eat a small snack or light meal 2-3 hours before your run, but avoid eating immediately before the race to prevent cramping. Opt for foods that are high in carbs, but moderate in protein, and low in fiber and fat (which may cause gastrointestinal distress). Choose familiar foods that will be well tolerated. Now is not the time to experiment…

• EAT: High carb foods (with some protein but not too much) – White bread with light peanut butter, fresh fruits with non-fat yogurt, starchy veggies (e.g. baked potatoes)  white rice and pasta with light low-fat cheese and sports drinks.
• DON’T EAT: High-fiber or rich and fatty foods, gas-forming foods -broccoli, cauliflower and beans; avoid caffeine and alcohol

Post-run nutrition & hydration tips: Right after the marathon, you’ll want to replenish your energy, fluids and electrolytes ASAP (ideally immediately within thirty minutes or less). Since carbs replace glycogen stores and protein provides amino acids for building and repair of muscle tissues, we recommend the following:

• EAT: High-carb and high-protein foods – Fruit and yogurt smoothies, a plain bagel with peanut butter;  Fluids and electrolytes including water, sports drinks, chocolate milk (yum!) and fresh juices (you can relax and order through GrubHub Seamless without moving a muscle)

Have you, or will you run a marathon? What do you think of these recommendations?