What Foods Help You Run Faster? 10 Foods for Better Performance

Last Updated on October 23, 2023 by Amanda Bowden

Fuel Your Runs: How to Run Faster with the Right Nutrition

If you’re looking to improve your running performance, it’s not just about training harder or buying the latest gear. Your diet can also play a significant role in how to run faster. In this article, we’ll explore 10 foods and drinks that can help you run faster and feel better during and after your workouts.

Oats Can Help You Run Faster

Starting your day with a bowl of oats can provide long-lasting energy for your runs. Oats are a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, which can help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you feeling full. This can help you maintain your energy levels during longer runs.

Bananas For Energy

Bananas are a great source of natural sugars, carbohydrates, and potassium, making them a great pre-workout snack. Potassium can help regulate your fluid levels and prevent cramping during your runs.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which can provide sustained energy during your runs. They also contain beta-carotene, which can help reduce inflammation and promote recovery after your workouts.

Brilliant Berries

Berries, such as blueberries and raspberries, are packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your muscles from damage during your runs. Blueberries are packed with polyphenols giving them anti-inflammatory powers. This can help beat fatigue and improve recovery. Raspberries are a great source of fiber to feed your microbiome and improve your health.

Related: Are Blueberries Good For Runners?

Salmon in Your Diet Can Help You Run Faster

Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve your recovery after your runs. It can even reduce joint stiffness. Protein is essential for building stronger muscles, which are important for becoming a faster runner.

Salmon is also a good source of vitamin D, which can help improve your bone health.

Quinoa is a Good Running Fuel

Quinoa is a great alternative to rice or pasta, especially good if you’re following a gluten free diet. It’s a complete protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. This can help support muscle growth and repair after your runs. It is also rich in carbohydrates. If you eat a meal containing quinoa after your run it will help replenish your glycogen stores and help you run faster on your next run!

Leafy Greens Can Reduce Fatigue

Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, which can help improve your oxygen-carrying capacity and reduce fatigue during your runs.

Beetroot to Run Faster

Beetroot contains nitrates, which can help improve your blood flow and oxygen delivery to your muscles during your runs. This can help you run faster and for longer periods of time.

Related: Want to Run Faster? Beetroot Maybe The Answer

Coffee Has Many Performance Benefits

It’s not only foods that can help you to run faster. Coffee is rich in caffeine, which can help improve your endurance and reduce your perceived effort during your runs. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much caffeine can lead to dehydration. Find out more about the multiple benefits of coffee for runners.

Don’t Forget Water!

Water is essential for optimal performance during your runs. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, cramping, and decreased performance, so be sure to stay hydrated before, during, and after your workouts.

Optimize Your Nutrition for Improved Running Performance

In conclusion, incorporating these foods into your diet can help improve your running performance and support your overall health. Remember to always listen to your body and fuel it with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best.