Spring into action – recipe 1
Finding it hard to fit in your swims and fuel yourself properly? Here's the first of three recipes for the time-poor outdoor swimmer from nutritionist Kathy Findlay
Fitting swimming into a busy work/life schedule can be a challenge, so here is a quick and easy snack for you to scoff before you head to the water
straight after work and something to dip into post swim before heading home for a proper recovery meal.
To lift you from the mid-afternoon slump and boost your energy levels you’ll need some fast acting carbs for energy, slower release carbs to keep you going during the swim, a touch of potassium to prevent cramping and maybe some B vitamins to help with that release of energy. Make sure you’re suitably hydrated too by sipping 6mls of water per kg of bodyweight in the few hours before your swim.
Oaty banana bread
This is an absolute gem for pre-
and post-workout nutritional
requirements. The bread ingredients
themselves contain the carbs needed
to fuel you and all you need do is add a
topping of choice to tailor it to pre- or
post-swim requirements. Make a few
loaves and keep them in an airtight
container to be used all week. Makes a 500g loaf.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees/
gas mark 4 and grease a loaf tin
- Mix together 40g oats, 175g plain
flour, 75g wholemeal flour, 30g
flaxseeds, 1 tsp baking powder
and 1⁄2 tsp bicarb of sod
- Lightly mash 1 banana, adding
175ml soya milk, 50ml yoghurt, 1
tsp cider vinegar, 50ml sunflower
oil and 100ml honey (or agave)
-
Fold the wet ingredients into the
dry ingredients and combine until
well mixed, then stir through 50g
chopped walnuts.
-
Pour into the loaf tin and bake for
1 hour, covering loosely after 45
minutes to prevent catching on top.
-
Cool in the tin then turn out.
Spread slices of the bread with your
choice of yeast extract, mashed
avocado, more banana or jam/
marmalade within 1-2 hours of your
swim to see you through your session.
Spread slices with nut butters,
hummus, minted pea dip (fresh or
frozen green peas, lemon juice, garlic,
mint leaves, olive oil and a pinch of
salt whizzed up) post-swim to recover
well in preparation for your next
training session.
Outdoor Swimmer
Outdoor Swimmer is the magazine for outdoor swimmers by outdoor swimmers. We write about fabulous wild swimming locations, amazing swim challenges, swim training advice and swimming gear reviews.
