From first-time fun runners to seasoned marathoners, if you are participating in this year’s Brisbane Marathon on Sunday, just remember how important fuelling up on fresh produce can be before the race. And just like any finely tuned performance machine, the better the fuel, the better the performance, so make sure you fill up on fresh, quality produce sourced through the Brisbane Markets from your local, independent fruit and vegetable store displaying the A better choice! logo.
This week’s pick of the week is Hass Avocados from Bundaberg. Avocados are the ultimate nutrient-dense snack — perfect for both pre-run fuel and post-race recovery. With supply plentiful and quality excellent, Avocados are packed with more potassium than bananas and heart-healthy fats that help the body absorb key nutrients. Looking for a hearty, warming breakfast? Try Eggs in Avocado, a simple, protein-rich dish ideal for chilly mornings or as a recovery meal after your run.
Still in season and a runner’s best friend, Watermelon from northern Queensland and the Northern Territory continues to be in abundance. Rich in electrolytes,they are sweet, crisp, and juicy! Whether you like to eat your Watermelon sliced up, in a wedge, or even crushed into a refreshing drink, like this Watermelon Lemonade, you are making a smart choice for your body by adding this healthy fruit into your diet, and if you will be completing the 42.2km run on the weekend, make sure to pick up a Watermelon to stay hydrated post-race.
Another melon of great eating quality this week from northern Queensland is Rockmelon. Containing a high-water content and low-calorie count, Rockmelon is the perfect fruit snack. When selecting, look for a Rockmelon with a firm, beige rind and one that is heavy for its size; if so, it is ripe and ready to eat when you get home.
Looking for a vegetable that offers good value? Then look no further than the green super vegetable, Broccoli, because this week the Lockyer Valley is supplying us with some wonderful, vibrant and bushy Broccoli. There is nothing better than a staple veg at a great price! Spice up the flavours of dinner this week and give this Roast Broccoli with Spicy Tahini Dressing a try!
Zucchini from Bundaberg is also another green vegetable of great value this week. A versatile vegetable that is easy to add to any dish, Zucchini is high in antioxidants, supports digestion, and is great for heart health. So, if you are looking for ways to incorporate Zucchini into your diet, try this Zucchini and Goats Cheese Slice
So, following months of training and with race day just around the corner, now is the time to make smart, nutritional choices — starting with fresh, locally grown produce from independent fruit and vegetable stores proudly displaying the A better choice! logo. There is still plenty of time to quickly stock up on pre and post run snacks to power through the race — and recover in delicious, nutritious style.
About Brisbane Markets
As Queensland’s only central fruit and vegetable market, the Brisbane Markets is the state’s most important centre for the marketing and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables. It records an annual trade of over 700 million kilograms of produce valued at more than $2 billion.
An important economic and employment hub, more than 4,500 people work or do business at the markets each day through over 170 businesses. This includes over 45 wholesalers who receive fresh produce from over 7,000 growers and trade five days a week to more than 800 registered buyers.
