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Zone diet plan for runners

To sustain their energy levels and recover faster, runners need the right fuel, and that’s where the Zone diet plan for runners comes in. It provides adequate carbohydrates for endurance, proteins for muscle repair, and fats for energy for long durations. This plan helps you strike your ideal pace and maintain your momentum thereafter.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Brown rice
  • Chicken thighs
  • Bananas
  • Spinach
  • Oats
  • Almond butter
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Salmon
  • Quinoa
  • Blueberries
  • Cottage cheese

  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Chia seeds
  • Avocado
  • Berries
  • Greek yogurt
  • Eggs
  • Black beans
  • Almonds
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Tilapia

  • Asparagus
  • Apples
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cucumbers
  • Red bell pepper
  • Ground turkey
  • Green beans
  • Olive oil
  • Tuna
  • Pineapple

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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 Zone diet plan for runners optimizes the aspects and develops endurance and recovery even more fully. By altering the proportions of carbohydrates and protein, this plan addresses the considerable energy necessities put on runners and other sport athletes.

This assures a surplus of energy, short recovery, and better performance; hence, it is an ideal plan for the serious runners and sports lovers.

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Foods to eat

  • High Energy Carbohydrates: Choose whole grains like brown rice or quinoa before long runs or endurance exercises.
  • Low Fat Proteins: Incorporate chicken, fish, or plant protein sources during muscle recovery periods.
  • Body Operating Fats: Use fats from nuts and avocados for prolonged energy and to reduce inflammation.
  • Foods With Electrolytes: Eat bananas and sweet potatoes after exercise to replenish lost electrolytes.
  • Water: Ensure adequate water intake before, during, and after running sessions.
quote icon

(...) whole-food, plant-based diets are great for people who like to eat, since you can basically eat as much as you want without worrying about counting calories

Michael Greger, MD

Foods not to eat

  • Refined Sugars: Avoid sweet treats and beverages as they can cause energy slumps and hinder performance.
  • Heavy Creams and Sauces: Reduce heavy dairy products, as they can be tough on the stomach.
  • Deep-Fried Foods: Avoid greasy foods with little nutritional value that might cause stomach discomfort.
  • Excessive Caffeine: Monitor caffeine intake, as too much can lead to dehydration and discomfort.
  • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol, as it negatively impacts recovery and hydration levels.

Main benefits

The Zone diet plan for runners helps cover the energy needs of the endurance athletes. The appropriate amounts of carbohydrates and proteins are consumed, hence gaining energy for both exercise and nutrition. This leads to improving performance in the field as well as fast recovery in between training sessions.

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📊 50% of Americans said they follow a specific diet or eating pattern (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

In the case of runners on the Zone diet, their diet plan should emphasize low-fat protein sources along with fiber based complex carbohydrate sources. Load up on cheap carbs such as oats and sweet potatoes, and try cheaper, tougher cuts of meat that can benefit from long, moist cooking. Because it is possible to buy such foods when they are on sale, meal planning related to such items will bring great savings.

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Meal Plan for Zone Diet Plan for Runners

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Oats with almond butter and blueberries
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken thighs with brown rice, spinach, and a side of cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potatoes, asparagus, and a side of Brussels sprouts
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with pineapple

Calories: 1600  Fat: 68g   Carbs: 140g   Protein: 115g

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with almond butter, bananas, and chia seeds
  • Lunch: Ground turkey with quinoa, spinach, and a side of cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with brown rice, green beans, and a side of bell peppers
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with berries

Calories: 1580  Fat: 67g   Carbs: 135g   Protein: 112g

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Oats with blueberries and a side of Greek yogurt
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken thighs with whole wheat pasta, spinach, and a side of cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked tilapia with sweet potatoes, asparagus, and a side of Brussels sprouts
  • Snack: Almonds with blueberries

Calories: 1600  Fat: 68g   Carbs: 140g   Protein: 115g

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with almond butter, bananas, and chia seeds
  • Lunch: Ground turkey with quinoa, spinach, and a side of cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with brown rice, green beans, and a side of bell peppers
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with berries

Calories: 1580  Fat: 67g   Carbs: 135g   Protein: 112g

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Oats with blueberries and a side of Greek yogurt
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken thighs with whole wheat pasta, spinach, and a side of cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked tilapia with sweet potatoes, asparagus, and a side of Brussels sprouts
  • Snack: Almonds with blueberries

Calories: 1600  Fat: 68g   Carbs: 140g   Protein: 115g

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with almond butter, bananas, and chia seeds
  • Lunch: Ground turkey with quinoa, spinach, and a side of cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with brown rice, green beans, and a side of bell peppers
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with berries

Calories: 1580  Fat: 67g   Carbs: 135g   Protein: 112g

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Oats with blueberries and a side of Greek yogurt
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken thighs with whole wheat pasta, spinach, and a side of cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked tilapia with sweet potatoes, asparagus, and a side of Brussels sprouts
  • Snack: Almonds with blueberries

Calories: 1600  Fat: 68g   Carbs: 140g   Protein: 115g

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.