As a runner, you know you need food that will support your training – food that gives you energy, helps you recover, and stay mentally sharp.
But it’s not always easy to scrounge up nutritious, quick, and delicious recipes to support your training goals.
If you’re searching for new recipes, then you must check out this list of the best cookbooks for runners.
This isn’t a definitive list of the best cookbooks for runners. Instead, what you’ll find is a list of Sheebes’ favorite cookbooks and recipes that meet any runner’s demands – from vegan, gluten-free, to protein filled.
The result? You’ll feel and perform better. And, you’ll have an arsenal of crave- able recipes you’ll want to make repeatedly.
Whether you’re a runner looking for running tips or a cyclist searching for cycling advice, this site is here to help you elevate your fitness game.
THE BEST COOKBOOKS FOR RUNNERS
America’s Test Kitchen: The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook
America’s Test Kitchen tests their recipes rigorously so you can cook their dishes with confidence.
In this cookbook, you’ll discover how good vegetarian cooking can be simple and flavorful, with easy-to-find ingredients.
Though the title suggests only vegetarian dishes, you’ll also find vegan, gluten-free, and fast recipes.
Looking for a quick weeknight meal? Try: Thai red curry with cauliflower.
Need something post-run? Try: baked burritos with pinto beans and swiss chard
America’s Test Kitchen: Vegan for Everybody
Whether you’re vegan, cutting back on your animal protein, or want to include more grains and vegetables into your meals, then you’ll want to look into Vegan for Everybody.
America’s Test Kitchen will show you how vegan cooking can be inexpensive, accessible, and satisfying.
Fuel your runs with blueberry muffins made with oat milk and almond milk yogurt.
Need a pre-run snack? Whip up some energy bars packed with protein and toasted nuts, dates, and orange zest.
And, warm up from a cold run with cream-less creamy tomato soup which is just as rich and creamy as a dairy recipe.
For dessert, bake off dark chocolate cupcakes for a sweet treat.
Pati’s Mexican Table: The Secrets of Real Mexican Home Cooking
This may seem like an usual cookbook to place on this list of best cookbooks for runners. But, Pati’s Mexican Table focuses on simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients.
Pati Jinich, born and raised in Mexico, introduces us to Mexican home cooking, where dishes are simple, convenient, and wholesome.
In this cookbook, you’ll find a variety of vegetarian recipes and plenty of substitutes for specialty ingredients.
To liven up a dish, try the fresh tomatillo and chipotle salsa to spoon over your choice of protein.
For a hearty, filling breakfast, check out the scrambled eggs rolled in corn tortillas with black bean sauce.
This one’s a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect after a hard run: Rodrigo-style fish. It’s made with a mild white fish and topped with a chunky citrus sauce, then stuffed into corn tortillas.
You can find the show, Pati’s Mexican Table (Seasons 3-6), streaming on Amazon. (Free with Amazon Prime)
Plenty: Vibrant Vegetable Recipes from London’s Ottolenghi
Plenty is a vegetarian cookbook from chef Yotam Ottolenghi that features new and fresh flavor combinations.
Ottolenghi isn’t a vegetarian, but his goal is to celebrate seasonal produce and various cultures through his recipes.
If you have time (maybe a rest day?) and looking to break out of your tried-and-true favorites, then try: soba noodles with eggplant and mango.
Want to shake up your grain bowls? Try the quinoa salad with dried Persian lime.
If you enjoy this book, you’ll also want to look into Plenty More, which features even more exciting vegetable pairings.
Run Fast Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes
Run Fast Eat Slow is a cookbook for runners by runners, created by marathoner Shalane Flanagan and nutrition coach Elyse Kopecky.
You’ll find wholesome recipes that focus on ‘indulgent nourishment’. That means eating healthy foods you love over obsessing over calories, carbs, or fat.
The recipes within this cookbook maximizes flavor and minimizes inflammation, digestive distress, and toxins.
One of the best things about this book is the guidance and recipes on what to eat before (race day oatmeal), during (banana chews), and after your run (protein-filled salmon cakes).
Current favorites from this cookbook: high altitude bison meatballs with simple marinara and wild salmon sweet potato cakes with avocado cream.
