Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 60, July 2014 | Page 24

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advertorial

a Runner’s Best
Carbo-loading Friend

Scrumptious potato is one of the most versatile starches in the world,
and also one of the easiest to prepare, while providing you with all the
nutritional power you need as an athlete. When it comes to carbo-loading
for major mileage, potatoes are our best running buddies.
Potatoes are naturally fat-free, packed
with essential minerals chromium and
potassium, and are very low in sodium, so
if you’re training hard and looking to fuel
up for the big race, tuck in to some potato!
And don’t forget to save the potato skins,
because they are full of dietary fibre, so
don’t just discard them when you peel your
potatoes for mash at supper – sprinkle with
olive oil and seasoning and roast in the
oven for a tasty snack!

VERSATILE VEG

One of the easiest and most delicious ways
of preparing potatoes is the baked potato.
Simply wash the skin, prick, wrap in foil
and pop on coals or into an oven for about
an hour – and if you don’t have that much
time, the microwave works just as well. The

result is a fluffy potato with crispy skin
– just add a filling like lean mince or
low fat cottage cheese. Delicious!
Mashed potato is equally easy. Peel
potatoes, boil in water and mash with
salt, a bit of butter and low-fat milk.
Creamy and tantalising, it’s the perfect
accompaniment to pork sausages,
chops or to top off a homemade
shepherd’s pie. Potato wedges
are another great way to prepare
potatoes. Wash potatoes, slice into
thick wedges, and bake in the oven
for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with
salt and pepper, and serve with baked
fish or tender steak.

ATHLETE’S MEAL

When it comes to carbo-loading, the best
advice is to eat the largest and most carb-rich
meal at lunchtime on the day before a race. A
great option is two portions of baked potato,
with skins on, topped with stir-fry chicken and
veggies with a cup of canned sweetcorn and a
250ml sports drink, followed by an afternoon

snack of 150g to 300g roasted potato
wedges with a guacamole dip and another
sports drink.
With the power packed into potatoes, you
will have reserves of energy you need for
the big day!

one of six R500 cash prizes
with your Potato Photo!
Like the OfficialPotatoNation page on Facebook –
search for OfficialPotatoNation – then post a ‘selfie’ of
yourself and a potato dish on our wall, and you could
win one of six R500 cash prizes. T’s & C’s apply.

Potatoes South Africa – www.potatoes.co.za or Facebook: OfficialPotatoNation