# The Bachelor’s Matt James Has a Secret Weapon for Marathon Training: Pasta!
Ever wonder what it takes to run a marathon? Besides endless hours of training and serious dedication, it takes a whole lot of fuel. And if you’re former ‘Bachelor’ star Matt James, that fuel comes in the form of a truly massive Italian feast.
Matt James is getting ready to tackle a marathon, and he’s not messing around when it comes to his pre-race preparation. He recently shared a glimpse into his diet, and it’s enough to make any food lover’s jaw drop. He’s all in on a huge carb-loading meal from the popular restaurant Maggiano’s Little Italy.
Let’s break down what he’s up to and why a mountain of pasta might just be the perfect way to get ready for 26.2 miles.
## What is Carb-Loading Anyway?
You’ve probably heard the term “carb-loading” before, but what does it actually mean? Think of your body like a car. Before a long road trip, you fill up the gas tank, right? That’s exactly what athletes do with carbohydrates.
Carbs are the body’s main source of energy. When you eat them, your body stores that energy in your muscles as glycogen. For a long-distance event like a marathon, you need a ton of that stored energy to keep you from running out of gas halfway through the race. This is why runners often eat big pasta or rice dinners the night before a big run.
So, when Matt James sits down to a giant meal from Maggiano’s, he’s not just having a cheat day. He’s strategically stocking his muscles with the power he’ll need to cross that finish line.
### Why Maggiano’s is a Runner’s Dream
Matt didn’t just pick any spot; he went for an Italian restaurant known for its generous portions. He even highlighted a great deal the restaurant offers, which is perfect for someone needing to pack in the calories. While he didn’t post the entire menu, we can imagine what his marathon training meal might have included:
* Heaping plates of pasta: The ultimate carb source.
* Lots of bread: Perfect for soaking up sauce and adding more fuel.
* Lean protein: Maybe some grilled chicken to help with muscle repair.
It’s a smart and, let’s be honest, delicious way to prepare. It shows that Matt James is taking his fitness journey seriously, moving far beyond handing out roses on reality TV and into the world of endurance sports.
## From Reality TV Star to Endurance Athlete
It’s always cool to see public figures pursue passions outside of what they’re known for. Matt James has shown a real commitment to his health and fitness, both on and off the screen. This marathon training is just the latest example.
He’s showing his followers that preparing for a big physical challenge involves more than just the workout itself. Nutrition is a huge piece of the puzzle. It’s not about starving yourself; it’s about giving your body what it needs to perform at its best.
Now, before you run out to order a family-sized portion of fettuccine alfredo for yourself, remember that this kind of eating is for a specific purpose. Matt is burning thousands of calories during his training runs. For most of us, a more balanced approach is key. But it’s inspiring to see the dedication it takes to achieve a goal like running a marathon.
What’s your go-to meal to fuel up for a big day? Let us know in the comments