The Healthy Pancake for Swimmers
Everyone knows that pancakes are traditionally used as a way to indulge yourself and use up ‘naughty’ foodstuffs. But did you know they can benefit a diet? Read on
We know pancakes are great to indulge in. But for the health conscious it can be a worry as to whether they can help with a fitness regime.
Well, if you look at the basic recipe of flour, eggs, milk and butter, the main problem is creating a ‘low carbohydrate/sugar’ pancake batter. And this is close to impossible.
So, we have to accept the fact that the only place for a pancake is as part of a post-workout meal, coupled with some protein.
Post-swim indulgence
A great post-swim meal where you may have burned around 300+ calories would be two pancakes with a lean protein filling such as chicken/tuna/pulses.
But if you just can’t face a pancake without some kind of sweetness, then go for a sprinkle of sugar and a squirt of lemon. But you must absorb some protein so combine it with a protein shake, or a handful of mixed nuts.
Here’s the technical bit: The protein will then try and counteract the rise in blood sugar, but the energy from the carbohydrates in the pancake will rapidly synthesise the protein into the muscles for quick recovery and boost the immune system. Win-win!
This way you can turn your pancakes into a fitness food, and not just a calorie laden treat once a year!
By the way, to work out how many calories you can burn off swimming and compare with other sports, check out our calorie cruncher at http://www.swimming.org/swimfit/calorie-cruncher/
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