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A common misconception among runners (and other athletes) is that because they don't feel like working out, they must not be motivated. For some this may be true, but for most there's another issue that should be addressed. If you're even thinking about working out, you clearly have some motivational drive - even if it's just to keep your PT happy. So what else could be holding you back? Why is it so dang hard to get out of bed each morning to tackle your workout?

 How about your energy levels?

As you know, I love talking food. And why not, it determines how we function as humans (and athletes). And the food you're eating could be negatively impacting the energy stores in which you rely to keep you going. 

Often times I see endurance athletes (on social media) complaining about not wanting to get out of bed. They'll often plead, "I just need someone to motivate me." Now, I know that these particular runners run 50-80 miles a week on average. Why would they think they need motivation? Oh wait... these are the same athletes that claim to eat entire pepperoni pizzas in one sitting. Or, they're the runners who share those awkward bar pics on Friday and Saturday nights. 

What appears to be happening is the word "Motivation" is being used synonymously with "I'm completely irresponsible with my health and therefore my energy is lacking."  Now don't get me wrong, if you enjoy a nice brew from time-to-time, that's perfectly fine. And if you enjoy highly saturated animal meats, that's your deal. I just want to clarify what the underlying issue really is. 

If you continually feed your body toxins, highly processeds foods, acid-forming animal proteins, and saturated fats, you're NOT going to feel good. But, provide your body with healthy, plant-based, cholesterol-free, whole foods, and your energy stores may surge to their highest levels ever. Yes, runners can find whole plant-based foods to fuel their runs!

One of the first things I noticed after switching to a plant-based (vegan) diet was that my energy skyrocketed. Some of this was due to the weight coming off and the fact that I no longer felt bloated from cheese and dairy. But eating raw fruits and vegetables (with the help of my Vitamix blender) gave entirely new meaning to the word energy. I even cut back on my consumption of coffee. I just didn't need the caffeine boost like I once thought.

The Bottom Line

I tell you all of this to say that making a few dietary changes can improve your energy from the inside out. And this energy may be all you're really missing. Don't blame lack of motivation for missing a workout here and there. Start your day off with healthy choices and your body will follow!

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Today's runner is one I've been following for some time. He's been both an inspiration to me, and everyone in the #VegRunChat Community. Enjoy his story, and remember to show him some love in the comments below.

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James Thorne

"I'm originally from the UK but now reside in Chicago. I started running about 3 years ago to help shed a few pounds and have been running ever since."

Thanks for stopping by James. Tell us a little more about how you got started with running.

When my wife and I found out we were expecting our first child, I decided to give up smoking and try to lose a few pounds. The running really took off once my daughter was born, she would fall asleep very easily in her jogging stroller, so we put in a lot of miles in her first year. Pushing a 30lb stroller is great strength training!

Are you Vegan or Vegetarian? For how long? Why did you decide to give plant-based a try?

I became a Vegan about 2 and a half years ago. I skipped the Vegetarian bit and went straight into Veganism. I watched the documentary Forks over Knives and decided there and then to become a Vegan. The health benefits of a plant based diet are overwhelming, less injures, more energy, quicker recovery times.

What keeps you motivated?

My curiosity to see just how far I can push myself physically and mentally

Do you have a favorite race length?

Marathon

If you could run with anyone (living/dead), who would it be?

Steve Prefontaine, his passion and enthusiasm for running and life were infectious.

What is your all-time favorite race? Why?

The Chicago Marathon, it was my first marathon.
It's a distance in which you experience so many different emotions, nervousness, excitement, doubt, pain and joy, over and over again. And to experience all that in my new adopted home town was very special. 


Do you have a favorite pre-race food?

Bananas and peanut butter, oh and coffee of course.

Post-race food?

Oat meal with more bananas and peanut butter.

What piece of running gear could you not possibly live without?

Some form of GPS running application on my iPhone. I like to track my distance and pace and how many miles I cover over the years.

Do you have any current goals? Races?

I am planning to make the step up from the marathon distance to ultras. Starting in April with a 50k (32 miles), and then a 50 miler in November. And if all goes well, a 100 miler sometime in 2015.

What advice would you give to someone who's new to running?

Amazing things happen when you run. It will take time, you may have bad days, you might hurt, you might doubt yourself, but if you put in the time and effort and keep persisting, the pay off's will last a life time.

Very well put! Thanks for stopping by James, and for sharing your passion for running with us. It's been a great pleasure getting to know you on a more personal level. I look forward to following your journey into ultra-marathon greatness!

If you would like to find out more about James, or just tell him, "Hey, I saw your story on Forks to Feet," you can find him on Twitter @TheEnglishVegan. Oh, and don't forget to leave him a comment below!

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Are you a runner? We would love to learn more about you! Please click here and submit your information to be featured as our "Runner of the Week." We showcase a new runner every Friday!

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When you are following a healthy diet plan in order to lose weight, it is important to eat only healthy snacks to fight hunger pangs at night. Binging on unhealthy night time snacks can severely jeopardize your earnest weight loss efforts. Staying up for long hours at night is not something unusual; you may have to finish some pending work at office or you may find it hard to sleep before you finish the book you are currently reading. However, when you are staying up late, you are also likely to experience hunger cravings.

Food cravings post-dinner may be because of many reasons like dehydration, boredom, low sugar or salt levels, lack of proteins etc. To satisfy your cravings at such a time, you must eat healthy snacks and stay as far away from junk foods as possible. When you eat healthy night time snacks, you are easily satisfied and your diet does not suffer a setback. If you are a vegan, you have umpteen green choices that can keep you healthy and satiated

Healthy vegan snack ideas to satiate your late night cravings

Late night snacks do not necessarily have to be high in calories and fattening. You can try the following guilt-free bites for satisfying your late night food cravings:

Frozen fruits: Frozen and fresh fruits are ideal for taking care of your late night food cravings. For instance an apple can satisfy you because it is rich in fibers and has only 130 calories, a banana too is fiber rich and has 110 calories. You can also choose from other fruits like peaches, kiwis, berries and oranges. It is best to eat them in a frozen state; for example adding a scoop of protein powder (whey or soy) with vanilla flavor to a cup of soy milk and blended with frozen banana slices can make for a great night time treat.

Vegetables: You can dip vegetables in vegan yoghurts to enjoy a snack rich in proteins and fibers. For instance, you can use veggies like cauliflower, asparagus, bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas as healthy night time snacks. Baby carrots can make a great snack when blended with non-fat vegan yogurt with salt, pepper and garlic added for flavor

Oatmeal: For those who follow a vegetarian diet, oatmeal can be a rather popular late night snack when you want to eat something light that will not disturb your sleep. This healthy vegetarian meal contains melatonin which improves sleep efficiency. You can have oatmeal with bananas and cherries to relax your body and keep yourself satisfied.

Tahini: You could also opt for tahini which is sesame seed butter that has been grounded and used for preparing hummus. This delicious spread can be used over a slice of vegan bread as a bed-time snack. Sesame seeds are also rich in tryptophan and this amino acid helps you sleep better.

Cereals: Whole grains such as oats are rich in fibers and proteins but low in calories. They are also available in granola bars; it is advisable to eat organic bars which have dried fruits and nuts and do not contain preservatives. Rye is also a great source for fiber and you can eat it with peanut butter which is a healthy fat to stay full throughout the night.

These are some light low calorie snack ideas when you experience hunger pangs late at night. You can store these in advance in a special corner of your refrigerator to ensure you eat healthy foods even when you do not have time to cook up a healthy meal in the middle of the night.

Even reputable diet services like Nutrisystem include healthy delicious snacks as part of their diet menu so that dieters do not get bored with dieting. They also have specially designed diet plans for vegans. Some of their dieters’ favorite snacks include lemon herb crisps, oatmeal raisin cookie, coconut almond bar, pretzels, zesty herb snack mix, popcorn and so on. These snacks can be had during anytime of the day.

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About the Author:

Jessica Robert avidly blogs about weight loss ideas and diet tips. Her blog The Diet Circle displays informative articles on trouble free dieting methods and weight loss ideas.

Image links:

http://pixabay.com/en/apple-colorful-dessert-diet-food-16890/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinnerseries/8139508546/sizes/m/

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Scott Daley - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

"I hold a Master of Arts degree in English from McGill University. I'm a food-loving vegan who loves to read, write, watch movies, chill out with music, cook, eat, and play. I grew up in Calgary, lived in Lethbridge, AB for a while while I took my first degree, headed to Montreal for my second, and eventually wound up in Vancouver, beckoned by the sea breeze.

It's great to have you with us, Scott. So, what got you interested in running?

I was inspired to start running when I lived in Montreal by a few friends there who were avid runners. My friend Edmund, in particular, was a real motivator: over the summer of 2012, he ran from Montreal to Vancouver--over a marathon a day with only a few rest days. I was overweight at that point (still am, but less so) and I realized I needed to get active. Running seemed like a relatively simple and elegant solution, yet thoroughly challenging. I really like the individuality of it (you are ultimately the only one setting your goals and keeping yourself going) and the zen rhythm you start to fall into. I started slow but soon enough got hooked, and I ran my first half-marathon in Edmonton in August 2013.

Are you a plant-eater? Vegan or Vegetarian?

I've been vegan since around the end of September 2013, and vegetarian since April 2012. I gave the idea a try because I thought it would be good for my health, but stuck with it because I consider myself an animal lover, and continuing to eat meat felt like a huge betrayal, despite all those cultural, social forces that say it's totally normal. Again, a few close friends I had made in Montreal who already had taken that journey really inspired me to go down that road. Simply put, I'd rather see a smiling pig than have a huge plate of bacon in front of me. The more I looked into it, dairy and eggs started to seem just as cruel to me, so despite being a huge cheese-lover (it really was my favourite food), I eventually went vegan. I don't have any plans to turn back any time soon.

What keeps you motivated to train?

The runner's high really is a thing. I know, I was skeptical too, but it's seriously real! In obvious ways, running is hard and exhausting as hell, but I feel great after I get back from a really long one. I collapse, positively beaming, into a heavy-breathing, sore-legged heap. It's totally ridiculous yet awesome. Continuing to lose weight and get fit is also a motivator, as well as the fact that I just really like to get out and see and breathe in my surroundings, wherever I am.

If you could run with anyone (living/dead), who would it be?

After reading Born to Run, I'd have to give that honour to Caballo. Scott Jurek seems like an awesome guy too.

What is your all-time favorite race? Why?

Well, I've really only done one big one so far, and that was the 2013 Edmonton Half-Marathon. I absolutely loved it--the sense of community, the excitement, all the people cheering you on. I've never felt anything else quite like it. I really hope to do another one soon at a quicker pace, maybe the Vancouver or the Montreal. One day: a full marathon!

Do you have a favorite pre-race food?

Green smoothies: Vega protein powder, berries, pineapple, mangoes, bananas, avocados, spinach, chia seeds, almond milk... whatever I can pack in a blender! Bagels are great too. And bananas!


Post-race food?

Almonds, dates, or dried cranberries. Larabars also hit the spot. Big fan. And I won't lie: I've been known to just take a heaping spoonful or two out of the peanut butter jar post-race.

What piece of running gear could you not possibly live without?

Sharkies sure have saved my a** a few times. A washcloth to wipe down the sweat and a good pair of running shoes with those cushion-y in-soles are also key. (I'm not hardcore enough yet for that barefoot running stuff.)

What do you tell yourself when you are struggling?

That I'll feel goddamn heroic when I'm done, so hang in there.

Do you have any current goals? Races planned?

Vancouver Marathon, then maybe the Montreal Marathon (half first, then I'll see about a full)

What advice would you give to someone who's new to running?

Start slow but set clear goals... otherwise you'll plateau.

Where can we find you online?

You can see what I'm up to on my blog which is a repository of things I think are cool as well as my own creations and writings. Or follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

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Are you a runner? We would love to learn more about you! Please click here and submit your information to be featured as our "Runner of the Week." We showcase a new runner every Friday!

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courtesy: kibsri/freedigitalphotos.net

You read that right. At this point in my "vegan life" I'm beginning to wonder if I haven't been completely brainwashed. With all of the documentaries, books, and veg magazines I've tuned into for the past year, it's like I've become hooked and I can't seem to get enough of it. I've also become completely turned off by the way the majority of our country chooses to eat. It doesn't upset me, or make me want to lecture anyone, but I could never imagine going back to my old way of living. But how did this all happen? It seems like just yesterday I was gnawing away at meat from the bones of poor defenseless chickens. Maybe I needed some mental adjustments?

I've been thinking about this a lot lately - I'm not saying that I've been duped by some "vegan ring leader." I also wouldn't say that this has been a negative experience. No, I needed my mind cleansed - of the way I used to think, eat and treat other beings. And I needed a new outlook and appreciation for myself, the earth, and all of its creatures.

How it began..

It all started when a good friend told me about the nutritious qualities of vegan food, and how animals and their by-products were terrible for my health. I decided to do some further research, turning over every last stone before I decided to take the plunge. I soon learned that he was right - animal meats, eggs, milk, and cheese were all posing unnecessary risks to my health. Furthermore, I would gain some athletic benefits if I were to drop them altogether. 

So that's exactly what I did. I removed chicken, pork, beef, fish, and dairy from my diet, replacing them with a plethora of fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and vegetables. Most of which I had never even heard of before. Within a few days, my body began to transform; my energy increased, fat decreased, and I could recover from runs faster than ever. I was a believer. There was something to this way of eating.

I've now learned more than I ever planned to learn about vegan nutrition. I understand the impacts my choices have on my health, the Earth, and all of it's occupants. And I could go on and on about it for hours (if people would listen).

Not only have I had a physical transformation, but there's obviously been some sort of mental shift, as well. But how? I didn't ask for it. My omnivorous friends would probably tell you that I've been brainwashed, duped by the "secret society" of my new acquaintances. And perhaps they'd be right. With the help of others, I've removed myself from the norms of society; norms that were put in place by large corporations and the poor choices of past generations. Yes, I've changed and I couldn't be any happier.

Raised in America

Growing up in the land of the free is a privilege and a curse at the same time. While we may be free to do, say, and eat what we want, companies have this same freedom. And with a free tongue and deep pockets, they can place their ads (like the one below) on every station across our great nation.


With advertisements like these, parents who don't know any better, and restaurants that have menus filled with animal-based (calorie-dense, nutrient weak) foods, how would I know any better? I wouldn't.

Throughout my childhood (and most of my young adult life), much of my learning came from: magazines, newspapers, TV shows, books, and the Internet. And most of these sources were (and still are) riddled with ads put there by megacorporations. In essence, they decided what I learned about food and nutrition. They infiltrated my brain long before I knew anything about veganism. To make things worse, the shows and movies I watched portrayed beach-bodied actors and actresses chowing down on burgers, fries, and milkshakes. I wanted to look and be like them. If they can do it, I can too. Right?

Unfortunately, I fell victim to this mass marketing and "entertainment." And by the time I was 25 I was smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, weighed 240 lbs., felt like crap, looked like crap, and had NO energy. This state of "being" (if you will) led me to become depressed; I started drinking heavily, and taking medications to deal with my troubles. But I never felt any better. Below is a picture that I've never shared before. I never wanted anyone to see me like this. But I feel that my message is more powerful than any negative attention that I'll ever receive from one photo.

Me (on the left) the day of my father's wedding - 4/19/08

Now, many of you may be thinking, "That's not all due to bad nutrition. He said he was drinking a lot." And I agree with you completely. I believe that there were many factors that led to this overweight and sick version of me: alcohol, drugs (both prescribed and not), depression, lack of exercise, and poor food choices. I've taken many steps to get myself out of this mental (and physical) rut, and today I feel better than ever. But possibly the biggest contributor to the way I feel today is the way I eat. Yes, maybe more so than running.

The vegan lifestyle that I live today gives me a freedom I never knew. It's more than just feeling and looking better. It works from the inside out - mind, body, and spirit. And I have a sense of compassion today that I would have never attained had I not "slipped" upon this lifestyle. That's why I try and share the benefits with everyone I know; it's my way of paying it forward. Perhaps I could give someone the information they need so they can avoid becoming the person I used to be. And if their life is anything like mine was, they could use a little "brainwashing."

For the record - I'm not bashing America. I love the country in which we live. But we certainly have our flaws. Today's children will be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents. Obesity and disease run rampant in this country despite our funneling in billions of dollars each year for clinical research. As a runner, I've personally supported causes that teach children about proper nutrition and pay for cancer research. Unfortunately, nothing changes if nothing changes. We can't rely on our government to fix everything. We must take action for ourselves.

Want to learn more? Grab my free ebook to learn more about my transition into plant-based eating. And if you have any questions, please feel free to shoot me an email at brandon@forkstofeet.com.

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