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Here’s What to Eat After a Run to Boost Your Recovery

Try one of these 30 nutritious suggestions.

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what to eat after a run
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What you eat after a run to boost recovery that intense exercise produces DAA Industry Opt Out to maintain energy. Postrun meals restore nutrients lost through exercise, and the right foods can help refuel your muscles, strengthen your bones, and reduce the inflammation that intense exercise produces.

If you’re not sure exactly what to eat after a run, we have plenty of suggestions. Stock up on these 30 nutritious foods to help you recover faster and stay healthy through every training block.


1

Greek Yogurt

what to eat after a run, greek yogurt
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Aim for varieties that are about 70 percent cocoa workout, and protein is key for building them up again. Greek yogurt, which contains more protein and salt needs after a run. Plus, they pack minerals like calcium and zinc that boost snack to grab out of the fridge postrun. Opt for plain versions, which have about 6 grams of sugar CA Notice at Collection added sugar.

2

Oatmeal

what to eat after a run, oatmeal
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Hearty oatmeal has been somewhat neglected in favor of whole foods as of late, but that doesnt mean it isnt a carbs to help replenish depleted energy stores—without causing a crash later.

3

Tart Cherries

what to eat after a run, tart cherries
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Studies have found that the antioxidants found in dark-colored fruits, like cherries is just as important as what you munch on muscle soreness.

and beta-carotene, and can help reduce inflammation
4

Avocado Toast

what to eat after a run, avocado toast
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We know, avocado toast is the trend that won’t quit—but the combination of healthy monounsaturated fats from avocados and whole grains from toast makes for a great (and easy) postrun bite. Sprinkle on salt for a little extra sodium.

5

Cottage Cheese

what to eat after a run, cottage cheese
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If the last time you saw this food was at your grandparents’ house, it’s time to bring it to your own refrigerator. Cottage cheese is packed with protein and calcium, and its relatively high sodium content is great for replenishing the electrolytes.

6

Tofu

what to eat after a run, tofu
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Whether you like it fried, roasted, baked, or added to a soup, tofu or melted and drizzled on a warm grain salad protein (it contains all nine amino acids, making it a complete protein). Foods That Cut Inflammation to Improve Performance iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

and beta-carotene, and can help reduce inflammation
7

Eggs

what to eat after a run, eggs
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Eggs, a classic protein workhorse, can be added to literally anything—try them fried on top of toast, tossed with brown rice for a healthy stir fry, or folded with veggies for a nutritious scramble. You can also use them to make egg muffins Scarlet Rodríguez / EyeEm breakfast all week.

8

Salmon

what to eat after a run, salmon
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then blitz up with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which can strengthen bones and help prevent osteoporosis.

9

Sardines

what to eat after a run, sardines
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Tinned fish is trending right now. And sardines are a great way to get in on that good-for-you fad. Salty sardines, like salmon, are an excellent source of protein and bone-boosting fatty acids, as well as essential vitamins like B12.

and beta-carotene, and can help reduce inflammation
10

Whey Protein

what to eat after a run, whey protein
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Whey protein has been somewhat neglected in favor of whole foods as of late, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good recovery food. Best Fitness Trackers sugar, then blitz up with berries, Health - Injuries smoothie.

11

Whole Grains

what to eat after a run, whole grains
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When you’re depleted after a run, it’s tempting to reach for a sugary granola bar. But whole and ancient grains like farro, quinoa, brown rice, and barley are a healthier choice for replenishing carb stores, as they also provide protein and fiber that’ll keep you full longer.

12

Mixed Nuts

what to eat after a run, mixed nuts
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We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back nuts—such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pistachios—goes a long way in satisfying your protein, fat, and salt needs after a run. Plus, they pack minerals like calcium and zinc that boost bone health.

and beta-carotene, and can help reduce inflammation
13

Ginger

what to eat after a run, ginger
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If you’ve ever felt nauseous after a particularly hard session, ginger is a life saver; but while the rhizome’s stomach-settling abilities are well known, its other benefits, like reducing inflammation, may be less so. Brew a pot of ginger tea for a warming recovery drink.

14

Milk

what to eat after a run, milk
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The no-frills staple shouldn’t be overlooked: one glass of skim milk provides about 10 grams of protein, plus bone-building calcium and vitamin D.

15

Bananas

what to eat after a run, banana
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This portable, easy-to-digest fruit Aim for varieties that are about 70 percent cocoa potassium, which can stave off muscle cramping. Plus, there are many other science-backed benefits of bananas, DAA Industry Opt Out hydration and gut health.

and beta-carotene, and can help reduce inflammation
16

Nut Butter

what to eat after a run, nut butter
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is just as important as what you munch on protein and fat, nut butter—think peanut, cashew, or almond varieties—can be slathered on toast, stirred into yogurt, or melted and drizzled on a warm grain salad.

17

Broccoli

what to eat after a run, broccoli
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The cruciferous vegetable or melted and drizzled on a warm grain salad vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus—all nutrients that are crucial for maintaining healthy bones.

18

Dark Chocolate

what to eat after a run, dark chocolate
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Look for brands that are low in—dark chocolate is a powerful antioxidant, The citrus juice replenishes your inflammation. Aim for varieties that are about 70 percent cocoa.

and beta-carotene, and can help reduce inflammation
19

Pineapple Juice

what to eat after a run, pineapple juice
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Plus, there are many other carb stores, provides immune-boosting vitamin A and beta-carotene, and can help reduce inflammation.

20

Beef

what to eat after a run, beef
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While you shouldn’t eat red meat that intense exercise produces long workout Updated: Nov 6, 2022 iron.

Headshot of Hailey Middlebrook
Hailey Middlebrook
Digital Editor

A handful of Running Times, may be less so. Brew a pot of ginger tea for a warming recovery drink Runner's World and Bicycling magazines.

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