Carbo Loading Party: Soms

Soms Noodle House

Getting tired of your usual pasta and rice try Som’s for a change.  Located in the outskirts of Rockwell. Soms is a place that serves a variety of noodle dishes and other authentic Thai dishes as well.

The first time I went to this place several years back, I was really surprised because it was just a really small garage type of an eatery they set up tables and chairs on the road. A hole in the wall place with no frills just great food.

I was really surprised when we visited this place recently because they now have a proper “restaurant” space that has aircon. We went there near closing hours so I almost miss the ambiance of the jam packed crowd, the long line to get seats and the customers that arrive every minute to pick up their ordered takeout.

Carboloading Meal:

Pad Thai!! Stir fried noodles with either chicken or shrimp that has a sweet and sour taste. Still one of their best selling dish.

Other dishes to try

Tom yum

Spring rolls

Carbo Loading Party: Pho Hoa

Kung Pao Chowtime!

Pho Hoa

An Asian restaurant will always be my first choice to get my dose of carbs. I first got interested in Vietnamese cuisine when I saw Anthony Buordain feature Vietnam in his show.

The mouth watering pho noodles, their fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce got me hungry enough that a few years back I searched for a Vietnamese inspired restaurant here in the metro. Luckily I encountered Pho Hoa. Their pho bowls are really big that it will sure satisfy the active person like you and me who has an appetite good enough for two people.

Kung Pao Chicken

I recently visited Phoa and Ordered their Kung Pao Chicken which I’m not exactly sure if its Vietnamese or not. I prefer my kung pao without the peanuts and the chillis are crushed, squeeze in a lot of Sriracha sauce and its perfect for at least 2-3 bowls of rice.

Snacks and goodies

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As athletes with day jobs, sometimes we have a difficulty trying to squeeze in eating heavy meals 2 hours before our run or workout. So we constantly munch on goodies that are filling and easy to carry.

Here are some of my favorites:

Quaker oats Cookies.

Made from oatmeal that’s rich in fiber, this treat is one of my favorites before a run becaiause its light and filling. Downside for me is its packaging is in 3 separate cookies and they are bulky to carry.

Nature valley trail mix

One of the most easy to carry treats that you can fit in your belt or in the pocket of your shorts. This multi grain bar comes in a variety of flavors but the trail mix is one of my favorites because of the nuts and its sweetness.

Nature Valley Peanut butter

Its peanut butter need I say more?

Growers

Nutribar

If you are on a tight budget then this one is for you. Comes in two flavors regular and chocolate, but too sugary for my taste.

SNICKERS

I have 3 reasons why this got to be my favorite snack before a long workout or immediately after a race before the protein packed meal. 1 its chocolate, 2 its chocolate and 3 its CHOCOLATE.

Sports Drinks

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Getting dehydrated is one of the biggest no no’s if you are racing or training. (insert illness caused by dehydraton).  

Plain old H20

Water is still the best and cheapest drink that would fill your hydration needs. During training I only drink water so that I won’t be dependent on sports drinks come race day. I consume my sports drinks after the workout.

Gatorade

The sports drink that has a variety of flavors to choose from. When I started running this was my preferred drink. Its readily available in supermarkets and convenience stores and the most advertised as well. So without any idea of the other brands out there this was a safe choice for me back then.

Powerade

When  started to realize that running can be an expensive sport. I looked for ways to cut down on my expenses. I decided to switch to powerade for a time because it’s cheaper than the other brand I was using. But I find it too sweet for my taste.

Pocari Sweat

I first encountered pocari sweat during running event. Back then I thought that it has a unique taste that stands out with the other sports drink out there. But if you consume a lot of it, the flavor sticks to the back of your mouth in my opinion.

100 plus

This drink may need some time getting used to because it is carbonated. I don’t know if it’s only a placebo effect but I feel that after a workout or a race I easily get hydrated when I drink 100 plus. Compared to the other sports drinks that are available in the market this is cheaper by at least P7-P8.

Carbo Loading Party: Golden Fortune

Golden Fortune Sea Food Restaurant

No Carbo Loading Party is complete without mentioning Eat All You Can Restaurants. One of my favorite places to go to is the Golden Fortune Seafood Restaurant in Binondo.

A friend of mine brought us here for our CLP before the 2012 Condura Skyway marathon. With an array of meats, seafood, and vegetables that you can cook shabu-shabu, unlimited dimsum and  rice tha you will surely be stuffing yourself for hours.

 Highly recommended that you come after 9pm and the price is cheaper.

Carbo Loading at Home: Spicy Carbonara

You don’t always have to go and eat out to have your Carbo Loading party. You can just invite your friends and cook at home.

Here is a twist I made with your classic carbonara.

Spicy Tuna carbonara

1 kilo spaghetti noodles or flat noodles

1 can hot and spicy tuna strained (remove bay leaf)

3 can tuna flakes in vegetable oil tuna strained

1 big can of button or straw mushrooms strained (slice thinly)

1 big white onion

 4 boxes 250ml of all purpose cream (you can also used soy based cream)

Cook noodles until aldente

Heat a big sauce pan

Caramelize onions in butter and add garlic

Add mushrooms

Add tuna and sauté for 3-4 mins

Add all purpose cream bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes

Mix in pasta and serve with tons of grated cheese on top and some toasted bread.

Greens Garden Cafe

Greens café

We all know that aside from protein, vegetables should be a staple part of an athlete’s diet. Not only that it helps you get the vitamins and minerals that our body need, it also helps us with our digestion. Presenting, Greens Café a restaurant that serves an array of sumptuous vegetarian dishes that will surely satisfy your dietary requirements.

When my parents switched to a pescitarian diet we were constantly were on a lookout for restaurants that we can all enjoy as a family given the new dietary restrictions that my parents have. Greens was recommended by a family friend. One Sunday lunch we decided to try this restaurant.

My first impression was that the ambiance was really cozy and warm. It feels allot like a home because it’s a converted house by the way. So it’s a nice little place were you can enjoy some quality time with friends and family.

Greens dishes are relatively cheap too. Ranging from P80 – 180, I’m sure you’ll get your money’s worth So if you are tired of eating your usual pinakbet or chopseuy, come visit greens located at 92 sct castor st. Quezon City. You can also contact them thru landline 024-154796. Try their desserts as well. They serve eggless cakes that are really tasty.

Here are some of my favorite dishes: (Insert pictures and menu description)

Roasted vegetable wrap                                                                                                                                                              

Papadan and potato balls

Split pea burger