Nutrition for Runners

Here are some of the best foods to help runners achieve a healthy diet and boost their performance.

Proper nutrition and hydration is critical to a runner's health and performance. Here are some common nutrition mistakes that runners make and advice on how to solve them.

One of the benefits of running is that you can get away with eating sweets and other high-calorie snacks in your diet every so often. You'll definitely run and feel better, though, when you're eating healthful, nutritious foods, including snacks. So the next time you're reaching for that bag of potato chips or a package of Oreos, consider one of...

Follow these smart and healthful eating rules to get the most out of your food -- and your runs.

As a runner, your diet is important not for only maintaining good health, but also to promote peak performance when running. Get advice on what and when you should be eating.

Some runners assume they shouldn't eat before running, but you actually should eat before a run to make sure you have enough fuel for your run. Find out when and what to eat before running.

It's important to eat before runs, especially if you're running long. What do you usually eat before your runs? Have you found the perfect pre-run meal or snack? Share your favorite pre-run foods and get ideas from other runners about other foods to try.

You nutrition and hydration during the days leading up to your long run is critical to your performance and comfort. Here's what you should be eating and drinking before your long runs.

During long runs, is it OK to get calories from liquids such as sports drinks rather than solid foods such as energy gels or bars? Get the answer.

You may have heard that dairy products can cause cramping during runs. Find out if it's OK to consume dairy products before a run.

What you eat during long runs and races depends on your own preferences. Many runners like to fuel with energy gels or chews because they're easy to carry and digest. Here are some of the more popular energy gels and chews.

If you have had digestive issues during or after your runs, the foods you're eating in the 24 hours before your runs may be the culprit. Here's a guide to what you should and shouldn't eat before your runs.

Nausea during or after a run can happen for a few different reasons. Find out what might be the culprit.

Find out what you should be eating after your runs to minimize muscle soreness and maximize recovery.

If you're running more than 90 minutes, you need to replace some of the calories you're burning. Follow these guidelines for when, what, and how much to eat.

Pasta is usually a staple of a long-distance runner's diet, so it's easy to get bored with the same old pasta recipes. Try some of these healthy and delicious pasta dishes on your carbo-loading days.

Wondering how many calories you to need to properly fuel your runs? Use this simple formula to determine your daily calorie needs.

Some get diarrhea, also know as "runner's trots", during runs. Find out what to do if it happens to you and how to avoid it in the first place.

Dietary fiber -- found mostly in whole grain, fruits, vegetables, and legumes -- is an essential part of any healthy diet. Although it's probably best known for relieving constipation, fiber may also help lower your risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, diverticulitis, and other digestive diseases. And since fiber also helps make you feel fuller...

The Athlete's Palate Cookbook, by the editors of Runner's World magazine, includes more than 100 tasty and delicious recipes for runners.

To avoid the risk of hyponatremia (low blood sodium concentration), it's more important for athletes to get adequate sodium before, during and after exercise.

Some runners wonder if they should be taking supplements or vitamins to improve their performance and overall health. Find out whether supplements are necessary for runners.

What should you do if you don't have time to eat before running? Get the answer.

Is it necessary to get extra salt before a long run or marathon? Get the answer.

How will running on an empty stomach affect my runs? Get the answer.