The Best Vegan Foods To Fuel Your Runs

Bananas

Not only are bananas a great source of carbohydrate, which is essential to energise your runs, they’re also loaded with potassium – a key mineral needed to balance fluid and electrolyte levels in your body. When you sweat, these levels naturally deplete, so keeping your potassium stores topped up helps to replenish these levels, which in turn, helps to prevent muscle cramps both during and post running.

Nut Butters

Nut butters are loaded with protein, healthy fats annnnd fibre, making them a great staple for a vegan runner. They prove particularly effective when preparing for your slightly longer, more intense runs, where carbohydrate stores alone aren’t the only thing utilised to keep you fuelled. So if you need an excuse for spooning peanut butter out of the jar...your runs are responsible. 

Oats

Oats are a powerhouse breakfast for any vegan runner. Why? Well, firstly, oats are a complex carbohydrate, meaning they’re slower to digest. They’ll provide you with a longer-lasting source of energy, without those sugar spikes that more refined (simple) carbohydrates produce. They’re also a great source of fibre so will keep you feeling fuller for longer. More fuel = longer, stronger runs. 

So now you know every runner’s go-to, pre-run breakfast, of a bowl of instagram-worthy oats (topped with sliced bananas, a sprinkle of chia seeds and a drizzle of peanut butter), isn’t just another social media trend – there’s actually science behind it. Try our creamy porridge oats recipe here (and top with your favourite nut butter for an added protein punch). 

Dates

While many seasoned runners will opt for a quick-fix energy gel for a pre-run boost, these don’t sit well with everyone. Dates on the other hand, (medjool dates in particular), are an excellent alternative if those sticky energy gels aren’t for you. Not only are they an amazing source of potassium, containing 291 mg per serving (50% more potassium by weight than bananas!), they contain a ton of other essential nutrients; B vitamins, vitamin A, calcium, iron & magnesium to name a few. Try two medjool dates, 30-45min before your run, and thank us later.

Tofu

With its high protein content, tofu makes a great food for runners. Made from soy beans, not only does tofu contain all the essential amino acids (making it a complete protein), but it’s also a great source of iron, magnesium and zinc. Why not try our Vegan Pad Thai recipe for a delicious post-run refuel meal that’ll make your fellow runners jealous (pop a picture of that on Strava).

Pasta

It goes without saying that carbs are life. And there’s no better time to indulge in your favourite pasta dishes than the day before a long run. You may have heard the term ‘carb-loading’ being thrown about amongst runners, and it’s no lie; loading up on carbohydrates the night before a race helps to boost your muscle’s energy stores, which will see you flying over that finish line.

allplants is making your meal-time prep easy, with our chef-made meals, delivered directly to your door. Fill your freezer with a selection of your favourites for a convenient, nutritious, plant-based post-run meal.