Running On Vegetables

Can a competitive runner really run on vegetables alone? That’s the question that New York Times health columnist Gretchen Reynolds puts to three nutrition experts: David C. Nieman, a professor of health and exercise science at Appalachian State University, who, by the way, has run 58 marathons or ultramarathons; D. Enette Larson-Meyer, an associate professor of human nutrition at the University of Wyoming, author of “Vegetarian Sports Nutrition,” and a competitive athlete; and Nancy Clark, the author of “Nancy Clark’s Food Guide for Marathoners.” The answer is “yes,” “yes,” and “yes.” Nancy Clark says diet is secondary to training; David Nieman says athletes can get all he protein they need from nuts, grains and soy. And D. Enette Larson-Meyer says you can do it on veggies, but multiple sources of protein should be eaten throughout the day. Read more from Gretchen Reynolds.