Sweet Recipes for Runners

October 29, 2020 |Sweet Bites

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking to start a new healthy habit, it’s no surprise that a nutritious diet is crucial to supporting exercise. If you’re looking for a versatile, nutritious ingredient to incorporate into your meal plan, look no further than North Carolina sweetpotatoes. Predominantly composed of complex carbohydrates, micronutrients, antioxidants and fiber, sweetpotatoes offer a healthy balance of nutrients and are absent of saturated fat and cholesterol. 

Read on for some of our favorite sweet recipes for runners: 

Fuel up for your run the right way with these no-bake Sweetpotato Coconut Ginger Energy Bites. Simply mix North Carolina sweetpotato, rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, ginger, cinnamon and shredded coconut together in a bowl, and then roll into balls to create the perfect grab-and-go snack. In addition to the sweetpotato, the oats and honey provide carbohydrates for long-lasting energy, and the peanut butter will help keep you feeling full for longer. Bonus – the ginger may even help with GI distress while exercising.  

Don’t forget to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables at breakfast with Sweetpotato Blueberry Baked Oatmeal, perfect for meal-prepping moms and fitness fanatics alike. Combine rolled oats, cinnamon, eggs, milk, mashed North Carolina sweetpotato, blueberries, vanilla extract and maple syrup for a sweet breakfast treat that will help provide energy for your morning run and whatever comes next. You’re even getting a serving of fruits and vegetables with this breakfast!

For snack time, whip up a batch of Sweetpotato Energy Cookies for a guiltless snack on the go. Some of your favorite fall flavors, like nutmeg and cinnamon, combine with chocolate chips, rolled oats and mashed North Carolina sweetpotatoes to create the perfect pre-run snack, whether you’re heading out for a short jog or training for a marathon. They also make for a healthy snack after dinner to satisfy your appetite.

Cool down and recover from your run with our Post-Run Antioxidant Recovery Smoothie. This quick and easy smoothie blends frozen mango, fat free Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon and mashed North Carolina sweetpotato for a surprisingly satisfying snack or meal replacement. High in Vitamins A and C (thanks to those powerful sweetpotatoes,) this smoothie can promote eye, skin and joint health and help to boost immunity, in addition to aiding with the absorption of iron. The ideal combination of protein and carbohydrates also help to promote muscle repair and recovery. 

Want a post-run meal the whole family will love without negating all the hard work you just did? Check out our sweet and savory BBQ Apple Sweetpotato Burgers. This delicious main dish features a burger patty made from ground turkey, mashed North Carolina sweetpotatoes and spices for maximum nutritional value. Topped with your favorite BBQ sauce and apples for extra crunch, apple sweetpotato burgers are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Serve them up with our favorite Grilled Sweetpotatoes for a healthy alternative to fries. Best of all, these burgers are ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish!

No matter what recipes you choose to fuel your active running lifestyle, North Carolina sweetpotatoes are the perfect ingredient to help you reach the finish line! Check out our Sweet Feet team to join a group of runners fueled by the orange superfood for up to three races each year.