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meal plan for tennis players

Are you ready to serve up your best game? Proper nutrition is crucial for tennis players to maintain agility and energy. That's where a Meal Plan for Tennis Players comes in. Whether you're training for a match or playing a tournament, eating the right foods is essential. In this guide, we'll outline a meal plan specifically designed for tennis players. Discover the perfect balance of proteins, carbs, and hydration strategies to keep you on top of your game. Let's dive in and ace your nutrition!

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Meal plan grocery list

Chicken breast

Quinoa

Broccoli

Bell peppers

Carrots

Spinach

Blueberries

Strawberries

Bananas

Greek yogurt

Almonds

Brown rice

Sweet potatoes

Salmon

Eggs

Whole wheat pasta

Olive oil

Avocado

Tomatoes

Cucumbers

Mixed greens

Oats

Almond butter

Hummus

Cottage cheese

Turkey breast

Black beans

Garlic

Onions

Oranges

Pineapple

Low-fat milk

Whole grain bread

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Meal plan overview

Enhance your on-court performance with the Meal Plan for Tennis Players. This plan is crafted to provide a balance of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats to sustain your energy and aid recovery. Enjoy meals like chicken and vegetable stir-fry, fruit and yogurt parfaits, and quinoa salads.

Each day’s menu is designed to fuel your practices and matches, ensuring you stay strong and agile. This meal plan helps you maintain peak physical condition and supports quick recovery between games.

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Foods to eat

  • Rich Protein Sources: Focus on meats, dairy, and legumes to fuel muscle repair and growth needed for intense workouts.
  • Energy-Boosting Carbs: Include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for energy and to fuel recovery after workouts.
  • Healthy Fats: Add avocados, nuts, and seeds to your diet for long-term energy and to support cell health.
  • Hydrating Liquids: Prioritize adequate water intake, supplemented with natural electrolyte sources like coconut water.
  • Recovery Foods: Post-workout, focus on foods like yogurt or a banana with peanut butter for quick muscle recovery.

✅ Tip

Prepare overnight oats with chia seeds and almond milk for a quick, protein-rich breakfast to kickstart your day.

Foods not to eat

  • Heavy Creams and Sauces: Avoid foods that are high in heavy creams and sauces which can be calorie-dense and slow down digestion.
  • Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption as it can interfere with recovery and hydration levels.
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Main benefits

A 7-day meal plan for CrossFit athletes ensures they receive the necessary fuel to perform high-intensity workouts and recover effectively. Start each day with a balanced breakfast like scrambled eggs with spinach and whole-grain toast to kickstart metabolism and provide lasting energy. Lunch could be a grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, quinoa, and a light vinaigrette, offering a mix of protein and complex carbs. For dinner, options like salmon with sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli help replenish glycogen stores and promote muscle recovery. Include snacks such as Greek yogurt with honey, nuts, and fresh fruit to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Hydration with plenty of water and electrolyte drinks is essential, especially post-workout.

🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

To maintain agility and stamina on the court, consider these nutritious substitutions:

  • For added protein, tilapia fillets can replace salmon in your meals.
  • To enhance hydration, coconut water can replace low-fat milk in your diet.
  • For a fiber-rich option, farro can replace brown rice in lunch and dinner.
  • To boost antioxidants, black currants can replace strawberries in snacks and salads.
  • For a lighter side dish, grilled zucchini can replace sweet potatoes in your meals.

How to budget on this meal plan

Creating a meal plan for tennis players on a budget involves focusing on nutritious yet affordable ingredients. Buying in bulk, such as large bags of rice, beans, and oats, provides a solid foundation for many meals. Incorporate a mix of proteins like eggs, chicken, and legumes to keep costs down while meeting dietary needs. Preparing meals ahead of time, like making a big pot of stew or batch-cooking chicken breasts, can save both money and effort. Utilizing fresh, seasonal produce from local markets ensures a variety of vitamins and minerals without overspending. Making simple, homemade snacks and hydration drinks can help maintain energy and performance on a budget.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Here are some healthy snack options for tennis players:

  • Greek yogurt with honey and granola
  • Banana with almond butter
  • A mix of nuts and seeds
  • Whole grain crackers topped with cheese
  • Fruit smoothie with spinach and almond milk
  • Apple slices spread with peanut butter
  • Boiled eggs seasoned with a dash of black salt

What should I drink on this meal plan?

Tennis players should consider drinking water with electrolytes, coconut water for natural hydration, and protein shakes made with water or unsweetened almond milk. Green tea is beneficial for its antioxidants, and smoothies with fruits and vegetables add extra nutrients. It's best to avoid sugary drinks and focus on hydrating, nutrient-rich options.

How to get even more nutrients?

Tennis players need balanced, high-energy meals to maintain stamina and aid recovery. Lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and tofu, seasoned with herbs and spices, are ideal choices. Incorporate a variety of vegetables, including spinach, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes, to ensure essential vitamins and minerals. Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat are important for fiber and sustained energy. Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds should be included. End with a serving of fresh fruit like oranges or berries for natural sweetness and added nutrients. This approach helps sustain energy and muscle recovery.

Meal plan suggestion

Meal Plan for Tennis Players

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced strawberries, almonds, and low-fat milk
  • Lunch: Chicken breast with quinoa and steamed broccoli
  • Dinner: Salmon fillets with sweet potatoes and sautéed spinach
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with blueberries and honey

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with banana, pineapple, spinach, and almond milk
  • Lunch: Turkey breast sandwich on whole grain bread with hummus, cucumbers, and bell peppers
  • Dinner: Whole wheat pasta with grilled chicken, tomatoes, and garlic
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced oranges

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and whole grain toast
  • Lunch: Black bean salad with avocado, carrots, bell peppers, and mixed greens
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with brown rice and roasted bell peppers
  • Snack: Almond butter with sliced apples

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with granola, strawberries, and almonds
  • Lunch: Quinoa and chickpea salad with mixed greens and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Chicken breast with sweet potatoes and sautéed kale
  • Snack: Banana with peanut butter

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Cottage cheese with blueberries and honey
  • Lunch: Tuna salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and whole grain bread
  • Dinner: Grilled turkey breast with brown rice and steamed broccoli
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with pineapple chunks

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, bananas, and a spoonful of almond butter
  • Lunch: Salmon wrap with whole grain bread, spinach, and avocado
  • Dinner: Chicken stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, and whole wheat pasta
  • Snack: Almonds and an orange

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced strawberries, bananas, and low-fat milk
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, avocado, and olive oil-lemon dressing
  • Dinner: Turkey breast with quinoa and steamed carrots
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced apples

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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.