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90 30 50 diet plan for marathon training

When you're training for a marathon, the 90 30 50 diet plan helps you hit your peak performance. By focusing on 90 grams of protein each day, it ensures your muscles recover and grow stronger after those long runs. The 30 grams of fiber and 50 grams of healthy fats keep your energy steady, so you can train harder and feel great.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Chicken breast
  • Salmon
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Oatmeal
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Broccoli

  • Carrots
  • Bell peppers
  • Avocado
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Olive oil
  • Chia seeds
  • Lentils
  • Black beans
  • Eggs
  • Tofu

  • Lean ground beef
  • Turkey breast
  • Bananas
  • Berries
  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Hummus
  • Peanut butter
  • Milk
  • Cheese

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Article Reviewed
• Written by Roxana Grabowska.
• Published on June 5, 2024.
• Updated on August 8, 2024.

Diet plan overview

If you're gearing up for a marathon, the 90 30 50 diet plan for marathon training could be just what you need. This diet ensures you get at least 90 grams of protein daily, vital for muscle recovery after those long runs. With 30 grams of fiber, it keeps your digestive system running smoothly, and 50 grams of healthy fats provide the energy you need to power through your training sessions.

This balanced approach helps you stay energized and supports overall health. Pair the diet with consistent training and proper hydration to maximize your performance. Stick with the plan, and you'll be well-prepared for race day.

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Foods to eat

  • Lean Proteins: Chicken breast, turkey breast, and lean ground beef are great for muscle repair and growth.
  • Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, and nuts like almonds and walnuts provide lasting energy.
  • Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates.
  • Fruits and Vegetables: Spinach, kale, broccoli, carrots, berries, apples, and bananas offer essential vitamins and minerals.
  • High-Protein Dairy: Greek yogurt and cottage cheese help meet daily protein needs.
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Marc Gillinov, M.D., Steven Nissen, M.D.

Foods not to eat

  • Processed Sugars: Avoid candies, cookies, and sugary drinks as they can cause energy crashes.
  • Refined Carbs: Limit white bread, pasta, and pastries which provide little nutritional value.
  • Fried Foods: Stay away from fried chicken, fries, and other deep-fried items that can be heavy and greasy.
  • Alcohol: Reduce alcohol consumption as it can interfere with hydration and recovery.
  • Saturated Fats: Minimize intake of fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy products to maintain heart health.

Main benefits

The 90 30 50 diet plan for marathon training helps in maintaining steady energy levels throughout your long runs, thanks to its balanced macronutrient ratio. This diet also supports quicker muscle recovery, reducing downtime between your training sessions. By incorporating a variety of whole foods, the diet promotes better digestive health, keeping you comfortable during intense workouts. Additionally, the 90 30 50 diet plan for marathon training can enhance mental clarity, helping you stay focused on your training goals.

90 30 50 diet plan for marathon training graph

📊 Nutrient breakdown of the 90 30 50 diet (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

To save money on the 90 30 50 diet plan for marathon training, buy your lean proteins like chicken and turkey in bulk and freeze portions for future use. Opt for seasonal vegetables and fruits, as they are often cheaper and fresher. Incorporate more plant-based proteins like lentils and black beans, which are both nutritious and affordable. Preparing meals at home rather than eating out can also help you stick to your budget while controlling your nutrient intake. Lastly, look for sales and discounts on healthy staples like quinoa and brown rice to stock up without breaking the bank.

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7-Day Meal Plan for 90 30 50 Diet Plan for Marathon Training

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and sliced bananas
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with grilled chicken breast, avocado, bell peppers, and a dressing of olive oil
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with a side of steamed broccoli and sweet potatoes
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with a handful of walnuts

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, berries, and spinach
  • Lunch: Stir-fried tofu with kale, carrots, and brown rice
  • Dinner: Ground beef and black bean chili with a side of quinoa
  • Snack: Apple slices with peanut butter

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and whole wheat bread
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with carrots and a slice of whole wheat bread
  • Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed kale
  • Snack: Greek yogurt topped with berries and a handful of almonds

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with chia seeds and berries
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with tofu, bell peppers, and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Pan-seared salmon with a side of broccoli and brown rice
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced apple and walnuts

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Peanut butter and banana on whole wheat bread
  • Lunch: Baked sweet potato stuffed with ground beef, black beans, and avocado slices
  • Dinner: Turkey breast with quinoa and steamed kale
  • Snack: A handful of almonds and walnuts

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, spinach, and berries
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with avocado, bell peppers, and brown rice
  • Dinner: Broiled salmon with a side of sautéed spinach and quinoa
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced banana

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Omelet with spinach and bell peppers, served with whole wheat bread
  • Lunch: Lentil salad with carrots, bell peppers, and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with broccoli and carrots over brown rice
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with chia seeds and berries

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.