Dispatch: Belly-Pleasing Blogs

Published November 15, 2012 04:31PM

“Dispatch” is an online column from Triathlete Editor-at-Large Holly Bennett that will feature pro updates, industry news, happenings afield and otherwise random reports related to multi-sport. Look for “Dispatch” every Thursday on Triathlete.com.

People are obsessed with food, and I’m no exception. I get giddy over a new cookbook or a tasty but healthy treat. However, when my life gets a little too busy – which is most of the time – my passion for trying new recipes remains a pipe dream. I imagine myself crafting delightful homemade creations every day, meals that will provide just the right balance of protein, fiber, antioxidants, amino acids, unsaturated fats, whole grains and what have you. But more often than not I fall back on a few basic standards (or prepared foods from the store) that are quick and easy, yet kind of lacking in culinary creativity.

But with the advent of winter, a decreased travel schedule and a desire to hunker down at home, I find myself trolling the web for new and mouth-watering meal ideas. I’m not saying I want to take on a kitchen project of “Julie & Julia” proportion, I just want to light a fire under my own food rut and try some different things. Now’s the time of year to make that extra effort in finding a few new dishes, and where better to look than to my fellow athletes? After all, they eat a lot! Some of them are even professionally trained in (or simply obsessed with) proper nutrition. And because of our common interest in a healthy lifestyle – and in devoting an abnormal amount of time to training – they’re the most likely source for recipes that are nutritious yet not annoyingly complicated

I recently followed a few Twitter trails and Facebook teasers, and found three athlete blogs laden with recipes for main meals, salads, snacks, sides and sweets that I intend to try. To date, I’ve only drooled over most of the recipe descriptions, but I plan to get cooking throughout the winter and test as many as possible. I’d also love to hear your comments and suggestions for other sources of kitchen inspiration!

The Wassner twins, along with their good friend and food writer Melissa Lasher, present a collection of their favorite, wholesome, mouth-watering foods – including an oats-of-the-week option for breakfast. (Oats with Dried Cherries, Coconut and Toasted Hazelnuts? Yes please!)

Corbin’s blog isn’t solely devoted to food, but I secretly hope that if I highlight it here she’ll feel compelled to share more of her awesome recipes! I have actually tried one and it’s now a favorite in my own repertoire: Easy-Peasy Peanut Sauce.

Cotter is a nutrition manager and fitness consultant, and while she’s not a pro athlete herself, she’s married to one (James Cotter) and feeds him on a regular basis! Her blog showcases a massive number of gluten free recipes that look and sound anything but restrictive (check out the Mexican Squash Spring Rolls). Cotter is also the creative whiz behind her own Healthy Bites brand energy food.