The book is aimed at “runners, cyclists, swimmers and rowers” and is endorsed by none other than rower-turned-cyclist Rebecca Romero. There’s plenty of nutritional information and explanation in there, including excellent advice about what to eat before and after training and, equally importantly, on race day. Recipes are divided into breakfast, soups and light meals, pasta, rice, polenta and gnocchi, couscous, lentils and pulses, and desserts, cakes and energy bars. Each is accompanied by a nutritional breakdown per serving, and portions are generous enough to fill a hungry rower.
Although there are no pictures (which is a shame – I always like to see what I’m going to be eating) and the book is not remotely glossy, the recipes we tried were all excellent – all hearty, well-flavoured, healthy and exotic enough to keep it interesting. The price is steep for a basic-looking paperback, but is crammed with great recipes, so really is worth the money.
The bircher muesli got a huge thumbs up from my teenage sons, and the soups were a massive hit (the hot Thai noodle soup is set to become a regular fixture in our household; I found one son licking the saucepan afterwards). My own favorite was the smoky black bean chilli which will also be featuring on the menu again.
Kate’s website has more recipes as well as racing tips and articles – definitely worth a look.