14-day meal plan for tennis players
Improve your agility and endurance with the 14-Day Meal Plan for Tennis Players. This plan is designed to give you the right nutrients to perform at your best on the court. Enjoy delicious meals that support your training and keep you energized for every match.
Meal plan grocery list
- Salmon
- Quinoa
- Spinach
- Berries
- Whole wheat pasta
- Turkey
- Chicken breast
- Brown rice
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Apples
- Oranges
- Greek yogurt
- Eggs
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Chia seeds
- Olive oil
- Sweet potatoes
- Kale
- Tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Garlic
- Onions
- Lentils
- Tofu
- Cottage cheese
- Skim milk
- Oats
- Honey
Article reviewed
- Written by Roxana Grabowska
- Published on June 3, 2024.
- Updated on Oct. 1, 2024.
Meal plan overview
Stay at the top of your game with the 14-Day Meal Plan for Tennis Players. This plan provides a variety of balanced meals that support both energy and recovery on the court. Enjoy nutrient-dense dishes like grilled salmon with quinoa, spinach and berry smoothies, and whole wheat pasta with lean turkey.
Each day offers carefully curated meals to help you maintain peak performance and quick recovery. This plan ensures you get the necessary nutrients to stay strong and focused during practices and matches.
Foods to eat
- Complex Carbohydrates: Include whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat pasta for sustained energy during matches.
- Lean Proteins: Opt for chicken, turkey, fish, and plant-based proteins like tofu to support muscle repair and growth.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can help reduce inflammation and provide long-lasting energy.
- Hydration: Besides water, include coconut water or electrolyte-enhanced drinks to maintain optimal hydration levels.
- Colorful Fruits and Vegetables: Aim for a variety of colors to ensure a broad range of antioxidants and vitamins for overall health and recovery.
- Dairy or Dairy Alternatives: Low-fat yogurt or almond milk provides calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Heavy Dairy Products: Avoid cream-based sauces and high-fat cheeses which can be sluggish to digest and slow you down on the court.
- Fried and Fatty Foods: Stay away from fried snacks and fast food that are high in unhealthy fats and can lead to decreased energy levels.
- Refined Sugars: Limit candies, sugary pastries, and sweetened beverages which can lead to quick spikes and crashes in energy levels.
- Excessive Red Meat: Consuming high amounts can increase inflammation and take longer to digest, which might not be ideal for match days.
- High-Sodium Snacks: Avoid salty snacks like chips and pretzels that can contribute to dehydration and bloating.
Main benefits
Adopting a 14-day meal plan for tennis players offers a comprehensive approach to sustaining peak performance over two weeks. This plan provides a variety of balanced meals that prevent dietary monotony and ensure consistent nutrient intake. It emphasizes foods that enhance endurance, agility, and recovery, crucial for tennis players involved in regular, intense training. The inclusion of vitamins and minerals supports immune function and overall health, reducing the risk of illness. This structured plan helps tennis players maintain optimal physical condition, ready to compete at their best.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To enhance energy and stamina on the court, consider these substitutions:
- For an added protein boost, lean ground turkey can replace chicken breast in lunch or dinner dishes.
- To improve hydration, coconut water can replace skim milk in smoothies and shakes.
- For added fiber, barley can replace brown rice in side dishes.
- To boost omega-3 intake, flaxseeds can replace chia seeds in snacks and breakfast bowls.
- For a lighter breakfast option, egg whites can replace whole eggs in omelets and scrambles.
How to budget on this meal plan
A 14-day meal plan for tennis players can remain budget-friendly by incorporating a variety of affordable protein sources such as chicken, tofu, and legumes. Plan your meals around sales and bulk purchases like oats, pasta, and seasonal vegetables to keep costs low. Prepare large batches of meals like quinoa salads and lentil soups, which can be refrigerated or frozen for later use. Snacking on nuts and yogurt can provide the necessary energy boosts without breaking the bank. Hydrating with homemade electrolyte drinks made from water, lemon juice, and a bit of honey can save money compared to store-bought alternatives.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Consider these nutritious snacks for tennis players:
- Greek yogurt topped with honey and granola
- Banana paired with almond butter
- Mixed nuts and seeds
- Whole grain crackers with cheese
- Fruit smoothie made with spinach and almond milk
- Apple slices with peanut butter
- Boiled eggs sprinkled with black salt
What should I drink on this meal plan?
Ideal drink options for tennis players include water with electrolytes for hydration, coconut water for natural electrolytes, and protein shakes made with water or unsweetened almond milk. Green tea offers antioxidants, while smoothies made with fruits and vegetables provide additional nutrients. Avoid sugary beverages and prioritize hydrating, nutrient-dense drinks.
How to get even more nutrients?
To enhance stamina and recovery, tennis players should consume balanced, high-energy foods. Select lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and tofu, seasoned with herbs and spices. Include a range of vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes to get essential vitamins and minerals. Add whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat to provide fiber and long-lasting energy. Incorporate healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds. Complete meals with fresh fruits like oranges or berries for natural sweetness and extra nutrients. This method supports sustained energy and muscle recovery.
Meal plan suggestions
14-Day Meal Plan for Tennis Players
Day 1
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey, almonds, and berries
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with kale, avocado, chickpeas, and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Grilled salmon with steamed broccoli and sweet potato
- Snack: Apple slices with walnut pieces
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with skim milk, banana slices, and chia seeds
- Lunch: Whole wheat pasta with turkey meatballs, spinach, and tomatoes
- Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with brown rice, bell peppers, carrots, and soy sauce
- Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced cucumber
Day 3
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and onions
- Lunch: Chicken breast salad with mixed greens, avocado, and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Baked cod with quinoa and steamed kale
- Snack: Greek yogurt with sliced strawberries and a drizzle of honey
Day 4
- Breakfast: Oats with skim milk, apple pieces, and walnuts
- Lunch: Lentil soup with carrots, tomatoes, and garlic, served with a slice of whole wheat bread
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with brown rice and roasted bell peppers
- Snack: Almonds and orange slices
Day 5
- Breakfast: Cottage cheese with peach slices and chia seeds
- Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes
- Dinner: Turkey stir-fry with broccoli, bell peppers, and onions over quinoa
- Snack: Banana with a handful of almonds
Day 6
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey, berries, and a sprinkle of walnuts
- Lunch: Grilled salmon wrap with spinach, cucumber, and avocado
- Dinner: Baked chicken breast with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed green beans
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus
Day 7
- Breakfast: Smoothie with banana, mixed berries, Greek yogurt, and honey
- Lunch: Quinoa and black bean salad with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes
- Dinner: Grilled turkey burger with a side of roasted carrots
- Snack: Apple and a handful of walnuts
Day 8
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Lunch: Lentil and vegetable stew with a dollop of yogurt
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with quinoa and a side of broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers
- Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced peaches
Day 9
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with kale and tomatoes on whole wheat toast
- Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap with lettuce and tomato
- Dinner: Baked cod with steamed broccoli and brown rice
- Snack: Greek yogurt with almonds and honey
Day 10
- Breakfast: Oat pancakes topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey
- Lunch: Grilled chicken Caesar salad with olive oil, garlic, and lemon dressing
- Dinner: Quinoa stuffed bell peppers with ground turkey and spinach
- Snack: Sliced cucumber with hummus
Day 11
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, and skim milk
- Lunch: Grilled salmon salad with mixed greens, carrots, and cucumbers
- Dinner: Turkey chili with brown rice and a side of steamed vegetables
- Snack: Apple with peanut butter
Day 12
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with oats, honey, and mixed berries
- Lunch: Chicken breast over kale salad with avocado, cucumber, and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Tofu stir-fry with quinoa, broccoli, and carrots
- Snack: Banana with a handful of almonds
Day 13
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with skim milk, chopped apples, and cinnamon
- Lunch: Quinoa and lentil bowl with roasted sweet potatoes and kale
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes
- Snack: Cottage cheese with pineapple chunks
Day 14
- Breakfast: Eggs scrambled with spinach and onions, served on whole wheat toast
- Lunch: Turkey and spinach wrap with bell peppers and a drizzle of olive oil
- Dinner: Pan-seared salmon with a side of sautéed green beans and garlic
- Snack: Greek yogurt with sliced strawberries and a drizzle of honey
Want to learn more?
⚠️ 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.