What and when to eat

[Robbo1234]

Just recently started the couch to 5k but am unsure on a diet that works best for this.

Do I eat before? do I eat after?

More Importantly is there any diets or tips that are good for healthy eating whilst training?

[damienair Graduate]

Don’t snack. Don’t eat in between your meals. Stay away from the cookie jar and cake tin. Drink 2-3 litres of water every day. 5K is a long distance when starting out first. But for runners , 5K as a distance is considered a short distance. So there is no need to do anything at all different from a diet point of view. Don’t eat too much too soon before a run or you’ll get cramps or feel uncomfortable. Enjoy your running.

Damien

[Robbo1234 in reply to damienair]

Thank you 👍👍

[Blackshoe76 Graduate]

I follow this rule: a banana 20-30 min before the run ( I run in the mornings) and a glass of water. Then drink a bit while running and a big glass of water afterwards. Then some 45-60 min after the run I eat my breakfast. So far no cramps or pains and I am in week 9 now.

[Robbo1234 in reply to Blackshoe76]

Thank you this is very helpful

Is there any certain meats, veg, fruit or anything that I should avoid or should always try to add to my diet?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.