The Top 7 Foods for Runners

Andy Lyons

Slide 1 of 8

From the editors of FITNESS magazine

From repairing muscle to maintaining energy, runners' bodies have special nutritional needs. Here, seven great foods for runners -- peanut butter tops the list!

Small Bagel with Peanut Butter

For runners, food does more than just squelch hunger. It also fuels your muscles and keeps you healthy.

"Runners need quality foods that provide a 'spark plug' for their energy," says Nancy Clark, RD, MS, and author of the Food Guide for Marathoners. These seven "elite" foods for runners will help you feel your best -- and keep you up and running.

Small Bagel with Peanut Butter

If you're a morning runner, you know it can be tough to hit the road on an empty stomach. It's been several hours since your last meal the night before, and your energy stores are low. Eating a 100- to 300-calorie snack before your morning run can give you energy and staying power, says Clark. This quick-and-easy snack has carbs and protein, plus it's easy to digest.

Next: Bananas

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fryebrandon1 wrote:

I enjoyed your slideshow. Glad to see that bananas and broccoli made the list. Broccoli has more nutritional qualities than I would've ever imagined. It's funny we don't think about these things until we're trying to fuel our bodies to workout. For you vegans out there, here is a list for you http://www.forkstofeet.com/2013/04/superfoods-for-runners-from-your-fork.html

4/13/2013 07:01:11 PM Report Abuse

aksanaelina wrote:

Workout helps to provide strength and power. But a good quality food described in this blog is beneficial. http://www.totalsurfingfitness.com/surf-workout/ Computer take input and produce output, the same situation is true at our lifestyle as we must have to take good quality food after Surf Workouts.

3/12/2013 10:19:15 PM Report Abuse

jessica_yanez91 wrote:

yea! I knew for a fact that were supposed to eat something before going on the morning run because your body is barely starting up again. I've been looking for something that is going to benefit me in the long run, not slow me down or weigh me down. =]

5/5/2012 10:25:24 AM Report Abuse

museberry31 wrote:

So many of the diet training plans are designed for folks that can east gluten. Does anyone know of good gluten-free, or generally restrictive diet ideas for those of us trying to fuel through alternatives?

3/5/2012 01:25:22 PM Report Abuse

aminiaofwords wrote:

This morning I decided to have a runner's guide eating plan. I had multiwheat bread (toasted) with creamy peanut butter, fresh banana, and pomegranate raspberry natural tea (Stash). It was soooo delicious!!

10/20/2010 08:06:26 AM Report Abuse