Diet plan grocery list
Spinach
Kale
Sweet potatoes
Broccoli
Carrots
Bananas
Apples
Blueberries
Strawberries
Salmon
Chicken breasts
Lean ground beef
Eggs
Greek yogurt
Cottage cheese
Whole wheat pasta
Brown rice
Quinoa
Oatmeal
Almonds
Walnuts
Chia seeds
Flaxseeds
Peanut butter
Avocado
Olive oil
Black beans
Lentils
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Cucumbers
Zucchini
Oranges
Diet plan overview
The diet plan for runners is designed to fuel your runs and support recovery. It focuses on the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to maintain energy and performance. This plan helps you stay strong and energized throughout your training and races.
By following this plan, you can optimize your diet for better endurance and speed. It’s about eating to enhance your running and overall fitness.
Foods to eat
- Complex Carbohydrates: Include sweet potatoes, brown rice, and whole grain pasta for long-lasting energy.
- Lean Proteins: Opt for chicken, turkey, and tofu to support muscle repair and recovery.
- Fruits: Eat bananas, berries, and oranges for quick energy and essential vitamins.
- Vegetables: Add leafy greens, bell peppers, and carrots to meals for their nutrients and antioxidants.
- Healthy Fats: Use nuts, seeds, and olive oil to provide sustained energy and support overall health.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Sugar Foods: Avoid candies and sugary snacks that can lead to energy spikes and crashes.
- Heavy, Greasy Foods: Limit fried foods and heavy meals that can be hard to digest and slow you down.
- Alcohol: Minimize alcohol consumption as it can affect hydration and recovery.
- Processed Foods: Reduce intake of processed snacks and meals that offer little nutritional value.
- Caffeinated Drinks: Avoid too much caffeine that can lead to dehydration and affect performance.
Main benefits
The diet plan for runners optimizes performance and recovery with a balanced mix of carbohydrates and proteins. It supports endurance by providing steady energy sources. This plan also helps reduce inflammation and muscle soreness through anti-inflammatory foods.
📊 50% of Americans said they follow a specific diet or eating pattern (Source)
How to budget on this diet plan
To stick to a budget on the diet plan for runners, purchase high-energy foods like bananas and sweet potatoes in bulk. Consider making your own energy bars and snacks to avoid the high cost of packaged options. Bulk cooking meals rich in complex carbs and lean proteins can save money and provide ready-made post-run fuel.
Meal plan suggestion
Meal Plan for Runners
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries and chia seeds
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breasts with quinoa and spinach
- Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potatoes and broccoli
- Snack: Greek yogurt with strawberries
Calories: 2,000 Fat: 70g Carbs: 250g Protein: 130g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Smoothie with almond milk, banana, and spinach
- Lunch: Ground turkey with brown rice and bell peppers
- Dinner: Grilled chicken breasts with sweet potatoes and green beans
- Snack: Cottage cheese with apple slices
Calories: 2,050 Fat: 70g Carbs: 260g Protein: 135g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Whole wheat toast with peanut butter and bananas
- Lunch: Lentil salad with tomatoes and cucumbers
- Dinner: Grilled salmon with quinoa and zucchini
- Snack: Apple slices with walnuts
Calories: 2,000 Fat: 65g Carbs: 255g Protein: 130g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with blueberries and almonds
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breasts with quinoa and spinach
- Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potatoes and cauliflower
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus
Calories: 2,050 Fat: 70g Carbs: 260g Protein: 135g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Smoothie with almond milk, banana, and spinach
- Lunch: Ground turkey with brown rice and bell peppers
- Dinner: Grilled chicken breasts with sweet potatoes and green beans
- Snack: Cottage cheese with apple slices
Calories: 2,050 Fat: 70g Carbs: 260g Protein: 135g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries and chia seeds
- Lunch: Lentil soup with tomatoes and carrots
- Dinner: Grilled salmon with quinoa and broccoli
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus
Calories: 2,000 Fat: 65g Carbs: 255g Protein: 130g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with blueberries and almonds
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breasts with quinoa and spinach
- Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potatoes and cauliflower
- Snack: Apple slices with walnuts
Calories: 2,050 Fat: 70g Carbs: 260g Protein: 135g
These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Jul 2, 2024
- Updated on Nov 1, 2024