Lose weight while running a marathon

On the left, I am 10 pounds lighter than I am on the right. Yet I ran 5 minutes slower. My diet was great but full of disordered eating and guilting myself after a cookie or a piece of pizza. Eat well. Eat proper portion sizes. Fuel your body the way it deserves to be fueled. Work hard. Chase goals that challenge you. Push each other. Work on your self talk. Keep it accurate. See your strength. Believe in it.

Why It’s Hard to Lose Weight While Running

Sign In My Account. Is it possible to lose weight while you train for a marathon?

Three Simple Food Rules

You might learn to love your body the way it is, based on what it can do, rather on what it looks like. This boost in confidence might help motivate you to reach your healthy weight loss goals. In this case, marathon training would be a smart priority. If weight loss gets in the way of reaching your running goals, then postpone it. After the marathon, you may decide that you don't need to lose weight after all. Be sure to get balanced nutrition during training. Avoid diets that eliminate or severely restrict a food group, especially carbohydrates.

Your best nutritional plan during training might vary from recommended guidelines. In fact, different coaches, nutritionists, and trainers have different opinions about how to balance your fats, proteins, and carbs. Choosing high-quality carbohydrates will not only help you to fuel your runs more effectively, but it can also aid in weight loss. Try to avoid refined grains and processed foods. Foods that contain added sugars, excess sodium, and saturated fat usually called empty calorie foods will leave you hungry and too tired to run.

Instead spend most of your carbohydrate allowance on filling and nutritious whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These foods provide energy as well as important vitamins and minerals. Keep in mind, however, that immediately before and during your long runs you need quick energy.

Tips: Healthy Weight Loss During Marathon Training

On these occasions, lower fiber foods are generally recommended to avoid stomach upset. If you're an evening runner and you've fallen victim to the late-night-eating habit, consider moving your biggest meal to the middle of the day. By eating most of your calories in the afternoon, you fill up on healthy foods and give your body the energy it needs in time for your workout. You can also use meal prep strategies to improve your food timing. Prep healthy pre- and post-run snacks once each week and have them ready to go when you need them.

Plan meals in advance and pre-cook as much as possible so you aren't tempted to grab fast food when you're hungry. Running every day will wear your body and your brain down quickly. Take a few days each week to focus on strength training. Doing bodyweight exercises or training with weights can help reduce the risk of running injuries.


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Also, it is not likely to make you as hungry as running. And most importantly, strength training builds muscle and muscle helps you burn more calories for fat loss. Choose non-food treats to reward your efforts. For example, after a long run, you might get a massage.

Not Losing Weight During Marathon Training - Runners Connect

After a tough hill workout, get a pedicure or see a movie with a friend. By finding healthy ways to celebrate your efforts, you honor the running achievement without derailing the weight loss attempt. Some runners can schedule their runs to train for a marathon. Some people who are trying to lose weight can schedule nutritious meals.

But juggling both at the same time is tricky. So why not ask for help? Seek the guidance of a registered dietitian with knowledge and expertise in sports training or running. They can provide you with a meal plan, recipes, and tips to make your nutritional plan easier to follow. Your nutrition professional may also be able to help you sort through your goals.

If marathon training and weight loss start to take over your life, it may be time to revisit your priorities and see which choice is more likely to promote better health and wellness.

Basic Diet \u0026 Weight Loss Tips for Runners!

Training for a marathon is an exceptional accomplishment. Losing weight requires an identical effort. But the payoff is extraordinary. When you run, you use the glycogen in your muscles.

Why am I gaining weight when I'm training for a marathon?

When your body enters starvation mode, it becomes nearly impossible to maintain weight loss. Instead of slashing calories, aim for a smaller reduction of calories a day, says Bonci. And to boost your calorie burn with exercise, add 20 to 30 minutes of strength training three times a week.

Lean muscle burns about five calories per pound while the body is at rest—meaning yes, you can be burning calories while doing nothing. Fat tissue burns only half of that. Or incorporate sprints into your workout. A study from the University of Western Ontario found that people who added four to six second sprints to their runs lost two times more body fat than those who only ran a slow, steady pace. People trying to lose weight often get sucked into the latest trends, such as calorie-free sweeteners, fat-free foods, and gluten-free diets.

The smarter move: Limit sugar intake and use natural sources like honey or agave. Not only has the eating-fat-makes-you-fat mentality been disproven , but a whole-milk yogurt or a salad with full-fat dressing will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Plus, fat helps your body absorb more vitamins and antioxidants. Just be sure to—again—limit your intake.

And that gluten-free craze?