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14-Day Meal Plan for Runners: Fuel Performance with Nutrition

Support your running journey with our 14-day meal plan for runners. Packed with energy-boosting and recovery-enhancing recipes, this plan provides the nutrition your body needs to perform at its best. Discover a variety of delicious options that cater to the unique dietary needs of runners, helping you achieve your fitness goals.

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Meal plan grocery list

Oats

Bananas

Blueberries

Strawberries

Whole-grain bread

Almond butter

Greek yogurt

Chicken breast

Quinoa

Sweet potatoes

Spinach

Broccoli

Avocado

Salmon

Eggs

Brown rice

Lentils

Almonds

Walnuts

Olive oil

Tomatoes

Water and electrolyte drinks

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Meal plan overview

Support your running journey with our 14-day meal plan for runners. Packed with energy-boosting and recovery-enhancing recipes, this plan provides the nutrition your body needs to perform at its best. Discover a variety of delicious options that cater to the unique dietary needs of runners, helping you achieve your fitness goals.

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Foods to eat

  • Lean Proteins: Choose grilled chicken, fish, or tofu as a protein source for a balanced dinner.
  • Vegetables: Include a variety of colorful vegetables, both cooked and raw, for fiber and nutrients.
  • Whole Grains: Opt for quinoa, brown rice, or sweet potatoes for complex carbohydrates.
  • Healthy Fats: Incorporate avocados, olive oil, and nuts for essential fatty acids.
  • Herbs and Spices: Use fresh herbs and spices for flavor without excess salt or added calories.
  • Low-Fat Dairy or Alternatives: Include low-fat cheese, yogurt, or plant-based alternatives for calcium.
  • Hydration: Drink water or herbal tea with dinner to stay well-hydrated.
  • Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to manage overall calorie intake.
  • Customization: Tailor dinner choices to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Regular Physical Activity: Include light physical activity, like an evening walk, for overall well-being.

✅ Tip

Incorporate a small portion of fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut to boost gut health and add unique flavors to your evening meals.

Foods not to eat

  • Highly Processed Dinners: Minimize reliance on heavily processed frozen dinners or takeout for better nutrition.
  • Excessive Sodium: Be cautious of high-sodium ingredients and seasonings to support heart health.
  • Added Sugars: Avoid desserts or sugary drinks right before bedtime for better sleep quality.
  • Individual Dietary Needs: Adjust dinner choices based on individual preferences and nutritional needs.
  • Regular Self-Checks: Monitor personal health regularly and consult with a healthcare professional as needed.
  • Balanced Nutrient Intake: Strive for a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in dinner choices.
  • Regular Cooking: Incorporate simple and nutritious cooking methods for a satisfying dinner.
  • Consult a Healthcare Professional: For personalized advice or concerns, consult with a healthcare provider.
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Main benefits

The 14-day meal plan for dinner offers diverse and healthy evening meal options. It emphasizes balanced nutrition to end the day on a healthy note, with a focus on light yet satisfying dishes.

🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

For an energy-packed diet suitable for runners, here are some ingredient swaps.

  • Replace oats with steel-cut oats for a heartier breakfast.
  • Swap almond butter with peanut butter for a different flavor and texture.
  • Try using spaghetti squash instead of whole-grain pasta for a low-carb option.
  • Substitute spinach with arugula for a peppery green.
  • Use chia seeds instead of flaxseeds for a different omega-3 source.

How to budget on this meal plan

Oats and bananas are key ingredients that can be bought in bulk. Berries, whole-grain bread, and almond butter offer variety and are often cheaper when purchased in larger quantities. Greek yogurt, chicken breast, and quinoa can be more economical in bulk. Sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli are also more affordable in larger sizes.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Snacks for runners to boost energy and aid recovery:

  • Banana with peanut butter
  • Oatmeal with berries
  • Greek yogurt with honey
  • Energy bars
  • Almonds and raisins
  • Smoothie with spinach and fruit
  • Whole grain toast with avocado

What should I drink on this meal plan?

Runners need beverages that aid performance and recovery. Water is crucial for hydration, while electrolyte-infused drinks help replenish lost salts. Tart cherry juice can aid in muscle recovery. A post-run smoothie with protein and carbs aids recovery, and green tea offers antioxidants to combat oxidative stress.

How to get even more nutrients?

Runners need a diet that supports energy needs and recovery. Carbohydrates are crucial for fuel, while proteins are essential for muscle repair and recovery. Opt for complex carbs like oats and whole-grain pastas, which provide lasting energy. Lean proteins such as turkey, fish, and legumes are ideal. Don’t overlook healthy fats; avocados, nuts, and seeds can reduce inflammation and provide calories needed for long runs.

Meal plan suggestion

14-Day Meal Plan for Runners

This meal plan is designed to provide runners with the necessary nutrients for energy, endurance, and recovery. It includes a balance of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to support optimal performance.

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with sliced bananas and almonds
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli

Calories: 1600  Fat: 45g  Carbs: 220g  Protein: 90g

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with mixed berries and granola
  • Lunch: Whole-grain turkey wrap with spinach, avocado, and hummus
  • Dinner: Lentil stew with brown rice and sautéed spinach

Calories: 1700  Fat: 50g  Carbs: 240g  Protein: 85g

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with whole-grain toast and sliced tomatoes
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with grilled chicken, mixed vegetables, and balsamic vinaigrette
  • Dinner: Baked sweet potatoes stuffed with black beans, avocado, and salsa

Calories: 1650  Fat: 47g  Carbs: 230g  Protein: 90g

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Banana smoothie with almond butter and spinach
  • Lunch: Whole-grain pasta with grilled salmon and roasted vegetables
  • Dinner: Chicken stir-fry with brown rice and mixed vegetables

Calories: 1800  Fat: 55g  Carbs: 250g  Protein: 95g

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Overnight oats with mixed berries and almond milk
  • Lunch: Turkey and avocado sandwich on whole-grain bread with a side of carrot sticks
  • Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa salad and steamed broccoli

Calories: 1600  Fat: 45g  Carbs: 220g  Protein: 90g

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey, walnuts, and sliced bananas
  • Lunch: Spinach salad with grilled shrimp, quinoa, and cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potato wedges and sautéed spinach

Calories: 1700  Fat: 50g  Carbs: 230g  Protein: 95g

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Whole-grain toast with avocado and poached eggs
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with whole-grain crackers and a side of mixed greens
  • Dinner: Turkey chili with brown rice and steamed green beans

Calories: 1600  Fat: 45g  Carbs: 220g  Protein: 90g

Day 8

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with sliced strawberries and almonds
  • Lunch: Chicken Caesar salad with whole-grain croutons and cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Grilled salmon with quinoa pilaf and roasted asparagus

Calories: 1650  Fat: 50g  Carbs: 230g  Protein: 90g

Day 9

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with mixed berries and granola
  • Lunch: Whole-grain turkey wrap with spinach, avocado, and hummus
  • Dinner: Lentil stew with brown rice and sautéed spinach

Calories: 1700  Fat: 50g  Carbs: 240g  Protein: 85g

Day 10

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with whole-grain toast and sliced tomatoes
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with grilled chicken, mixed vegetables, and balsamic vinaigrette
  • Dinner: Baked sweet potatoes stuffed with black beans, avocado, and salsa

Calories: 1650  Fat: 47g  Carbs: 230g  Protein: 90g

Day 11

  • Breakfast: Banana smoothie with almond butter and spinach
  • Lunch: Whole-grain pasta with grilled salmon and roasted vegetables
  • Dinner: Chicken stir-fry with brown rice and mixed vegetables

Calories: 1800  Fat: 55g  Carbs: 250g  Protein: 95g

Day 12

  • Breakfast: Overnight oats with mixed berries and almond milk
  • Lunch: Turkey and avocado sandwich on whole-grain bread with a side of carrot sticks
  • Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa salad and steamed broccoli

Calories: 1600  Fat: 45g  Carbs: 220g  Protein: 90g

Day 13

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey, walnuts, and sliced bananas
  • Lunch: Spinach salad with grilled shrimp, quinoa, and cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potato wedges and sautéed spinach

Calories: 1700  Fat: 50g  Carbs: 230g  Protein: 95g

Day 14

  • Breakfast: Whole-grain toast with avocado and poached eggs
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with whole-grain crackers and a side of mixed greens
  • Dinner: Turkey chili with brown rice and steamed green beans

Calories: 1600  Fat: 45g  Carbs: 220g  Protein: 90g

These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.

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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.