diets

[Steve1964-]

do I need to go on a strikt diet

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I hope you’re enjoying your journey through Couch to 5k or excited about starting if that’s where you’re at the moment.

This is a programme aimed to get you running for 30 minutes and not specifically for weight loss or diet, although some people do notice they gain other healthy habits along the way as they make positive changes to their exercise routine. There isn’t a special diet you need to follow as a runner-just a generally healthy, balanced one that would be recommended for anyone! I’m wondering where you’ve got the idea that a strict diet is needed from? I don’t think anyone should be following a “strict diet” unless told to by a medical professional, but that’s just my personal opinion!

Good luck with your runs and hope to hear how you’re getting on!

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate]

No need for a strict diet, just eat normally. The better the food you put into yourself the more good it will do you - think more fruit and veg, less fried stuff and takeaways.

One thing - try and increase the amount of water you're drinking, especially when the weather is warm. Running when you're dehydrated is hard work and no fun. Water is better than the empty calories you get with fruit and fizzy drinks.

A last piece of advice. When you do a really good run there's a tendency to think 'now I can treat myself and have cake/chocolate/second helping'. If you do it too often it won't help your weight at all.

Common sense really, good luck

[Steve1964- in reply to Yesletsgo]

thank you so much for your advice

[GTFC Graduate]

Just moderate things my man but keep consistent with your runs. That's the platform for everything else. If you're consistent and keep getting out there, you'll be absolutely fine 🙂

[drl212 Graduate]

Hi S1964 and welcome!

I didn't change my diet in order to do the programme, although, I did find myself craving some healthier options after I started.

You might want to be sure to go out for your runs with a little something in your stomach and to make sure you are hydrated.

I think your body will tell you what you need. We're all different...