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diet plan for runners

Fueling your runs properly can make all the difference in performance and recovery. A diet plan for runners focuses on the right mix of carbs, proteins, and fats to keep you energized and strong. It’s all about eating to enhance your endurance and speed on the track or trail.

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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

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on July 2, 2024.
• Updated on Oct. 1, 2024.

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.

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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.
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Try to include one color from each color category most days of the week. For example, have blue and red berries in your smoothie, leafy greens with your lunch, purple carrots and orange.

Mark Hyman, MD

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.

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📊 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.

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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.

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.