Top tips to help you fuel your body for running while dieting

Taking up running whilst dieting can seem like an almost impossible task when you consider how you need to fuel your body to ensure you have enough energy. Is it possible? Absolutely! Though it can be challenging, it is certainly achievable. Continue reading to find out how.

Lady sitting on a wall holding her calf due to a running injury and looking in pain.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The first thing you should do is work out how many calories you should be consuming each day. This can be done by calculating your basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the number of calories your body needs to function at rest.

You can then take into account the calories you burn through running to determine your daily calorie intake. An online calculator can help you to do this for free.

While it can seem sensible to cut back on calories to lose weight, doing so whilst also trying to establish a running regime can be detrimental.

In fact, restricting your calories too heavily can lead to your body going into starvation mode, clinging onto fat and slowing down your metabolism, making it more challenging to lose weight.

Equally, this can also result in a lack of progress within your fitness aims, too, as you will find yourself feeling much more sluggish.

Nutrition

Once you have worked out your daily calorie intake, it is important to focus on the types of foods with which you are fuelling your body.

Most of your calories should come from nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. These foods will provide your body with the energy it needs to ensure your running regime is fuelled efficiently.

When it comes to the type of diet you follow, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some runners prefer a higher-carbohydrate approach, while others may find that a higher-fat or higher-protein diet suits them better. It is vital to experiment and find what works best for you at fuelling your running whilst also losing weight.

Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source and are therefore crucial for runners. However, it is important to choose the right type – complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, sweet potatoes, and fruits, rather than simple sugars like candy and soda.

Complex carbohydrates release energy gradually and will help to prevent crashes during long runs, which could prevent you from achieving your goals.

Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, which is important for recovery after a run. It is useful to aim towards eating one type of protein with every meal, such as eggs, chicken, Greek yoghurt or tofu.

It may seem counterproductive to focus on getting fat into your body, but it can be beneficial if you choose wisely. Healthy fats are essential for overall health and can provide a slow-burning source of fuel for your longer runs.

Good sources of healthy fats include avocados, nuts and seeds, olive oil and oily fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and trout.

Hydration

In order to fuel properly for running whilst dieting, it is vital to stay hydrated. You should aim to drink at least 8 to 10 small glasses of water per day and consider upping this amount if you are running in the heat. Electrolyte-rich fluids, such as coconut water or sports drinks, can also be helpful for longer runs.