fbpx ;

Eating Out, Feeling High and Getting Buzzed

Where not to eat, the truth on runner’s high and caffeine’s effects.

America’s Unhealthiest Restaurants

Credit: VirtualErn

It’s no secret that eating out can be tricky. From dodging salads that sound healthy but aren’t to bypassing the oh-so-tempting bread basket, it’s a jungle out there. Thankfully, the writers of Eat This, Not That! have taken the time to grade fast-food and major chain restaurants according to their healthy (or not-so-healthy) offerings.

There are a few surprises on the list. McD’s and Taco Bell each received a B+. FBG fave joints Panera Bread received a B-, while Chick-fil-A got an A- for its healthy sides. Who failed the healthy-restaurant test entirely? Applebee’s (we have a few options for you here though), IHOP, Outback and T.G.I. Friday’s. In fact, these chain giants don’t even provide full nutritional information. That’s never a good sign.

Get the full report card here.

The 411 on Runner’s High

Credit: Silvio Tanaka

Runners and regular exercisers throughout time have reported feeling great after working out intensely, almost like a high. For years we’ve been told that this was because after you work out, you get a huge rush of endorphins that make you feel happy-happy-joy-joy. But now researchers aren’t so sure as to why we feel so great after a workout. Researchers say that the high may come from a sense of accomplishment or as a result of a meditative-like state in a workout session (what I call getting into “the groove”). Or, it could just be from an increase in body temp. Whatever it is and wherever it comes from, I like it!

Get high in a good way.


Leaded or Unleaded?

Credit: lepiaf.geo

Many of us, myself included, are coffee nuts. We love how it wakes us up in the morning and gives us an extra burst of energy during the 3 p.m. workday slump. Besides the fact that I think it’s also super tasty (I may be a bit biased though as my dad works in the coffee biz), turns out there’s a lot of research that backs up coffee and its wonder-drug caffeine’s positive effects on sports performance.

It’s pretty scientific, but researchers say that caffeine increases the power output of muscles by releasing calcium. Basically, this helps you go longer and faster. Caffeine also helps you feel less tired, so you just keep going and going. I’ve never been a big coffee drinker before workouts, but I may add it to my usual pre-workout routine!

Fill ‘er up.

Jenn

FTC disclosure: We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial. Affiliate links may be included. If you purchase something through one of those links we may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!

Comments

6 Comments
  1. tfh says:

    Coffee definitely makes my runs feel easier! I wonder if green tea has the same effect? My only issue with the coffee is that it tends to have more GI side effects than tea.

    And: Panera, a B-? I disagree. Esp. for vegetarians they have healthier, protein-rich options than McD’s or Chick-fil-A. But I guess what’s unhealthy at McDonald’s tends to be more obvious…

  2. Sagan says:

    Not a coffee drinker but I do love my tea! Caffeinated and otherwise. I love that “high” feeling after exercising, even if it is placebo, its great.

    The book sounds interesting; I’ve seen it a few times at the bookstore and always pick it up to flip through it 🙂

  3. {cher} says:

    great article, great advice. just love it!! thanks!!!

  4. Kudret says:

    Whenever I feel unmotivated to go to the gym, I drink a cup of coffee and put on my favorite music and think to myself “man, if only I could be in the gym busting my bootay to these beats.”
    9 times out of ten, I actually end up going to the gym. The 10th time, you’ll find me shaking my bootay and doing awkward dance moves to the music in my room.

  5. Jody - Fit at 51 says:

    I have read quite a few articles on the coffee thing. It works for me. I like my coffee although I water mine down! I am not a strong coffee drinker! The caffeine gives you the pick me up for that workout!

    I blogged about the restaurant article too on my site. Gives more meaning to checking the nutritionals & planning ahead before you eat out IF your purpose is to stay on your diet for that night vs. just enjoy.

  6. Gym Rat Girl says:

    I survived my marathon because of power gels containing caffiene. Definitely gives you a buzz to reach your threshold.

Comments are closed.