If we had all the time in the world, maybe we would go out of our way to get that nutrition packed meal every single day. But in the real practical world, especially the one we live in today, time is money and time is limited, and with the sun going down, at the end of a working day exhaustion levels are so high, the energy to cook a meal is next to zero.  However, the good news is that you do not always have to cook a high nutrition meal or succumb to ordering in Chinese takeout every night, as long as you make it a point to add a list of healthy items to your grocery shopping list! If you are looking for the healthiest eating habits you can adopt post running, then we have just the right fix for you!
Here are some of our top favorite 4 easy, convenient and quick meal recipes for busy athletes!

Sweet and Sour Shrimp Stir-Fry

This one is one of the tastiest recipes which can be part of a meal plan for athletes. If you are looking for the perfect meal to fulfill the nutrition bank you need as an athlete, then this recipe should do the trick for you covering all bases. Shrimp is a great source of lean protein and consists of the mineral selenium, known to work wonders in reducing joint inflammation that runners and athletes experience ever so often. Top the shrimp stir-fry off with some lima beans, Asian vegetables and a bit of cashew nuts and you have a chockablock nutritious meal full of iron, fiber, protein, potassium and antioxidants!

Recipe:

• In a sauté pan heat one tablespoon full of olive oil
• Take 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes, 2 of minced jarred garlic, 1 cup of frozen lima beans and 1 packet of an Asian vegetable mix and cook for 5 minutes
• Add in a packet of shrimps and cook further for another 3 minutes
• Mix in half a cup of cashews unsalted, some pineapple slices, a little pineapple juice and a cup of sweet and sour sauce jarred and heat for a minute or two.
• The deliciously nutritious sweet and sour shrimp stir fry is ready to be served! Serve with brown rice.

Mediterranean Pizza

Using a pizza crust made with whole wheat instead of refined flour is a wise choice for athletes, as not only is it more healthy but it is also consistent of vitamin B which is great for helping athletes generate energy during workouts and training sessions. Topping the pizza off with some chicken can help provide for the much needed protein athletes need and even the sodium that is lost during a workout if, making this pizza perfect for a pre and post workout meal both and a great way to kick start a meal plan for athletes!

Recipe:

• Use a 12 inch pizza crust, pop it in an oven heated at 400 degrees F and bake for 6 minutes
• Take the crust out now and switch oven to broil
• Smear on 3/4th of a pesto sauce jar onto the crust and top it off with some arugula, chicken strips, jarred roasted peppers, fresh basil and sliced olives
• Top it off with some crumbled goat cheese or low fat grated mozzarella cheese
• Season with a bit of black pepper, broil for a minute and voila!

Salmon and Salsa

A meal plan for athletes inclusive of salmon is a great move. Salmon is consistent of omega 3’s which are known to be great for generating brain power and keeping levels of triglycerides in the blood low, preventing heart diseases. This special type of omega 3 called DHA in salmon also helps blood flow to the skeletal muscles during workouts.

Recipe:

• Mix together all the following ingredients: 5 ounce of wild salmon jarred, a cup of frozen thawed spinach chopped, a diced red bell pepper, half a cup cooked oats, juice of half a lemon, 2 tablespoons of chopped dill, 2 eggs and some salt and pepper to taste.
• Take the mixture and divide it evenly among 12 odd muffin cups thoroughly greased
•  Bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees F
• Unmold after cool
• Served topped with some jarred salsa!

Crispy crunchy Cocoa Chili

A meal plan for an athlete consistent of this delicious crunchy crispy cocoa chili is not just mouth watering but also covers the nutrition needs an athlete commands in a quick and easy way! The cocoa is great for preventing the muscles from oxidative stress, the tofu added can stimulate the synthesis of proteins and beans are a chockfull of carbs and proteins, the two vital energy sources every athlete’s survival is dependent on!

Recipe:

• In a large pan set to medium heat, add in a tablespoon of olive oil
• Add in a diced onion a packet worth 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms and cook for around 4 minutes
• Add in a block of tofu diced, one teaspoon chili powder, same of minced garlic, two of cumin powder and some salt and pepper to taste
• Pop in a 6 ounce can of tomato paste and 24 ounces worth of canned diced tomatoes, 15 ounce cans of kidney beans and black beans each, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and a cup of corn
• Simmer the mix for 30 minutes
• Get the tortilla chips out and top them off with the mixture and enjoy!