Protein is a power food for runners and athletes.  It plays a vital role in muscle building and recovery that can make a huge difference in the way you perform, feel, and even look. Packed with vital nutrients, protein repairs muscle damage after a workout and also tops off your glycogen stores when you combine it with carbohydrates – this lessens your chance of “bonking” in a race. Protein has also been linked with reducing the effects of the “stress” hormone cortisol on your body, which means you may even feel more relaxed. And, studies have also shown that a higher-protein diet from lean sources, especially when consumed at breakfast, experience a longer-lasting satiety level that curbs later-day snacking and thus helps to maintain, or even reduce, weight.

If you are curious about how much protein to eat, when to eat it and what types of protein are best, check out my guest post on Zooma Women’s Race Series today. It’s all about the benefits of protein and includes a delicious recipe for Sirloin with Sugar Snap Pea & Pasta Salad.  What a great make-ahead meal to enjoy after your long training runs in preparation for the upcoming  Zooma Florida (1/19/13) or Zooma Texas (3/23/13)

Breaking news, 10-percent off code for those of you who want to Run Zooma Texas on March 23, 2012 — it’s good for both the 5k and the half marathon.  Just click here to register and enter TXAMB3 in the promotion code box.