Nut butters are a tasty way to pack in a lot of nutrition, and almonds in particular are a considered a “supernut” among their crunchy peers. They’re high in monounsaturated fats that are good for your heart, with lots of protein, vitamin E and magnesium. Try pairing a dollop of almond butter with the high fiber and sweetness of an apple after your run — it’s a sweet and savory treat and a nutritionally powerful way to refuel.
To find out which foods work best for you, keep a log of your snacks while you train. It’s an easy way to keep track of what you’re eating and how it affects your performance; over time, you can see what your body responds to best, and adjust accordingly. That will also help you pick the best snacks for race day — or just another intense day at the gym.