BUPA Great North Bun

5August 2002

A deliciousnew high-energy snack created especially for the BUPA Great North Run 2002

TheBUPA Great North Run, on Sunday 6 October 2002, is fast approaching. While all47,000 runners are busy training for the challenge of the world's largesthalf-marathon, BUPA has created a special treat to help keep them going: TheBUPA Great North bun.

Developedby BUPA nutrition experts and road-tested by a top London chef, the BUPA GreatNorth bun is a delicious new high-energy snack that can be easily re-created byeven the most inexperienced cook.

Ifyou're wondering why we are spending some time in the kitchen and not outrunning, there is a good reason. Running burns up lots of energy, so a diethigh in complex carbohydrates is particularly important for those preparing forthe BUPA Great North Run.

What arecomplex carbohydrates?

Theseare the body's favourite fuel - and the best type of foods to eat before doingany endurance exercise.

Where arecomplex carbohydrates found?

Someof the best sources of complex carbohydrate can be found in everyday foods suchas wholemeal bread, pasta, beans and rice.

How do complexcarbohydrates supply us with energy?
Sugary food and drink contain simple carbohydrates and may provide a short,sharp burst of energy as blood-sugar levels rise, but this is short-lived. Onthe other hand a complex carbohydrate gives the body more sustained energy overa longer period of time.

Complexcarbohydrates are digested and absorbed to provide an immediate and readilyavailable energy supply for the body to draw from.

AsBUPA nutrition expert Sarah Kay comments: 'The BUPA Great North bun recipecombines complex carbohydrates, natural sugars, fibre and essential fats togive the body sustained energy release. An ideal training companion - I'llcertainly be using it during my training!'

BUPA GreatNorth Run recipe

Ingredients

1 lb flour (half wholemeal/half white)
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
tsp salt
2 tsp caraway seeds
2 oz raisins
2 oz chopped dried apricots
2 oz chopped dried dates
2 oz sunflower seeds
3 tablespoon sunflower oil (other vegetable oil can be used)
1 egg
2 tbsp honey
300 ml skimmed milk

Cookinginstructions

Preheat oven to 200C (400F).

In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, saltand seeds.

Mix in dried fruit.

Beat together the egg, oil, honey and milk and add them tothe flour mixture.

Gently stir till blended.

Roll dough out onto a floured surface to 1cm thickness andcut out with pastry cutter (7cm diameter)

Brush lightly with milk and place on greased baking sheet.

Bakefor 25 minutes and enjoy!