Q & A with Anne Mauney, Registered Dietitian, Blogger and Marathoner
For many families, October marks the beginning of Fall and the start of fun outdoor activities like pumpkin picking, hay rides and corn mazes. October is also a favorite month for runners due to its cool temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. We asked Registered Dietitian, blogger, and marathoner Anne Mauney to share her running and fitness tips with us, why she thinks pasta is an ideal food for athletes, how she lightens up recipes using everyday ingredients and more!
1. You share some really great health and fitness tips on your blog, fANNEtastic food. What advice do you have for people who want to start exercising more but don’t know where to start?
My best advice for workout newbies is to find the exercise that is fun for you. It doesn’t matter if everyone else around you is kickboxing, running or whatever if you don’t like it! Find the exercise you enjoy and pursue it. For me, it’s getting outside!
Another tip is to view exercise as your special “me time” to de-stress and do something good for yourself, not as a chore or something you HAVE to do. Reframing how you look at exercise makes all the difference. Here are some tips I’ve written to help change your outlook on exercise.
2. Many athletes hold “pasta parties” the night before a big race. What makes pasta an ideal food for athletes?
Pasta is a great choice the night before a race because it is full of carbohydrates, which you will use as fuel during your run! I love combining whole grain/wheat pasta with chicken and veggies, then pairing it with a red sauce the night before a race. Simple and good!
3. We love your blog post, “How to Make a Recipe Healthier.” Can you share some staple ingredients that can be mixed into everyday recipes?
Thanks! I love swapping out refined grains for whole grains in recipes to amp up the fiber and nutrient content. I also like to cut calories in recipes by use healthier baking and cooking substitutions. For example, I’ll use fat free or Greek yogurt a lot in place of mayonnaise, which is less fattening and is a great source of protein. Like my Tuna and Veggie Pasta Salad that uses Greek yogurt in place of mayo!
4. What is your nutrition plan like when you are training for a race?
I don’t follow any specific plan, but I do stick with what I know works for me in terms of eating before a run – my go-to is toast with nut butter and sliced banana. After a run, I love refueling with protein-packed eggs (any kind, but I love egg sandwiches) – usually with a side of bacon!
5. What is your most memorable race that you’ve ever competed in? Can you explain why it’s so important to you?
Probably my first full marathon last fall, which I did after saying I’d “never!” run a full marathon. (Never say never, right?) I ran the Richmond Marathon last fall and it actually ended up being an amazing experience.
It’s hard to describe the feeling of crossing a finish line at a marathon – but it’s incredible. You’re on top of the world. And simultaneously swear you’ll never do that to yourself again/can’t wait to sign up for your next one.
7. Finally, we were thrilled to see so many pasta recipes on your blog! Can you share a favorite pasta recipe with us?
Yes, I’m a big pasta fan! Here is one of my favorite recipes that only takes 20 minutes to prepare and is perfect for vegans, too! Plus, most of the ingredients used in this recipe are probably already in your pantry. It makes a great main dish if you add some protein, or enjoy it as a side! Creamy Vegan Garlic & Herb Pasta.
About Anne:
Anne Mauney, MPH, RD is a Washington D.C. area Registered Dietitian with a Masters of Public Health in Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Anne is the writer behind the food and fitness blog fANNEtastic food, which she started 4 years ago as a way to motivate others to lead happier, healthier lives through nutrition and exercise. She aims to show readers that it doesn’t have to be hard or complicated to be healthy – and in fact, it can even be fun! In addition to blogging, Anne owns her own nutrition counseling private practice, working with clients to help them to lose or maintain weight, feel healthier, and improve their relationships with food. Check out her blog for easy healthy recipes, quick meal ideas and packable lunches, daily fitness and running adventures, health tips, and more. You can also find her on Twitter @fANNEtasticfood, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.