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Run Faster: Weight Loss Diet Plan for Runners

Runners looking to lose weight can benefit from a diet that supports endurance and muscle recovery. Balancing carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair, and fats for satiety can lead to effective weight loss while maintaining performance. It’s a tailored approach that fuels both long runs and calorie burn.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Chicken breast
  • Salmon
  • Lean ground turkey
  • Greek yogurt
  • Eggs
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Avocado
  • Blueberries

  • Strawberries
  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Bananas
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Chia seeds
  • Flaxseeds

  • Tofu
  • Cottage cheese
  • Low-fat milk
  • Green beans
  • Carrots
  • Bell peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Oatmeal

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Article Reviewed
• Written by Zuzanna Kędziora
• Published on May 13, 2024.
• Updated on August 13, 2024.

Diet plan overview

The Weight Loss diet plan for runners is tailored for those who love to hit the pavement or the trails. This diet focuses on balancing carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle recovery, and fats for long-lasting fuel. It's ideal for runners looking to lose weight without sacrificing their performance or endurance.

This plan also includes hydration strategies and timing meals around training sessions to optimize energy levels and recovery. It's about fueling up smartly, not just cutting calories, to support both weight loss and running goals.

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Foods to eat

  • Complex Carbohydrates: Oats, quinoa, and sweet potatoes provide sustained energy for long runs.
  • Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, and eggs support muscle recovery and growth.
  • Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, and olive oil offer essential fatty acids for energy.
  • Hydrating Foods: Watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges help with hydration and electrolyte balance.
  • Beetroot: High in nitrates, which may improve blood flow and endurance performance.
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The best diet is the one you don't know you're on.

Brian Wansink, PhD

Foods not to eat

  • Fried Foods: Heavy on the stomach and can cause digestive issues during runs.
  • Refined Sugars: Candies and desserts can lead to energy crashes during runs.
  • Artificial Sweeteners: Diet sodas and sugar-free gum can upset digestion and hydration.
  • High-Fiber Foods: Cruciferous vegetables and beans may cause bloating during runs.
  • Alcohol: Dehydrates the body and impairs recovery after a run.

Main benefits

The weight loss diet plan for runners includes a perfect balance of carbs and proteins to fuel long runs and aid recovery. It emphasizes complex carbohydrates like oats and whole grains that provide long-lasting energy and prevent mid-run fatigue. This diet also includes beetroot and cherry juice, known for reducing inflammation and muscle soreness post-exercise.

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📊 40.2% of American women have obesity (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

Runners need energy-packed foods without breaking the bank. Whole grains like oats and quinoa are filling and affordable. Instead of buying expensive protein bars, make your own with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Sweet potatoes and bananas are great for fueling up pre-run and are usually easy on the wallet. Don't overlook canned beans—they’re packed with protein and fiber and work well in post-run salads.

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7-Day Meal Plan for Weight Loss Diet Plan for Runners

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with blueberries, strawberries, and chia seeds
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed broccoli
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with brown rice and sautéed spinach
  • Snack: Apple slices with almond butter

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with banana slices and flaxseeds
  • Lunch: Turkey burger on whole wheat bread with tomato and cucumber salad
  • Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with kale and bell peppers over brown rice
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with walnuts and strawberries

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with sautéed spinach and whole wheat toast
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa, green beans, and carrots
  • Dinner: Baked sweet potatoes with salmon and steamed cauliflower
  • Snack: Orange slices with Greek yogurt

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with chia seeds, banana, and blueberries
  • Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap in whole wheat bread with kale salad
  • Dinner: Grilled salmon with quinoa, steamed broccoli, and bell peppers
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with almonds and apples

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, spinach, banana, and flaxseeds
  • Lunch: Tofu stir-fry with green beans, carrots, and quinoa
  • Dinner: Baked chicken breast with sweet potatoes and steamed kale
  • Snack: Strawberries with walnuts

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Cottage cheese with strawberries, walnuts, and chia seeds
  • Lunch: Salmon salad with kale, tomatoes, and avocado
  • Dinner: Grilled turkey breast with brown rice and steamed cauliflower
  • Snack: Banana slices with almond butter

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with sautéed kale and whole wheat toast
  • Lunch: Chicken and quinoa salad with spinach, cucumbers, and bell peppers
  • Dinner: Baked tofu with sweet potatoes, broccoli, and green beans
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with blueberries and almonds

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.