Gluten-free marathon meal plan – Tuesday

Check out the London Marathon's training and meal plans. Want to run the 2026 TCS London Marathon? Head to the TCS London Marathon website to find out everything you need to know about the ballot.

Overall dietary guidelines:

Contrary to previous beliefs, the week before the marathon isn't all about piling on the pasta. In fact, to maximise carbohydrate (fuel) stores before the race, runners only need to start 'fuelling up' or 'carb-loading' two or three days before the race (three days if you prefer slower increase in your daily intake). Read more in our guide to carb-loading.

Runners who have coeliac disease, are intolerant to gluten or simply following a gluten-free diet need to plan their meals carefully around the appropriate carbohydrate options to prepare for the race. We have adapted our week-long marathon meal plan to provide options for the week leading up to the event, as well as examples that can be used as part of your wider training or day-to-day routine.

Earlier in the week, it may be useful to start including snacks to train the gut in preparation for increased carbohydrate intake in the days leading up to the marathon.

As a general rule, what you eat should be different depending on the training demands for that day (or when you are preparing for the race itself) to promote sufficient fuelling and recovery. Discover what to eat on different training days with our training meal plans for runners.

We’ve included examples of the race training programme from the TCS London Marathon to plan your nutrition for this day.

Scroll down for the recipes

Tuesday training:

Rest (beginner's guidelines as recommended by the TCS London Marathon).

Tuesday nutrition:

Carbohydrate is reduced today as it's a rest day. Starting with a protein-rich breakfast is a good option to support muscle growth and repair while training volume is lower. Earlier in the week is a great opportunity to boost micronutrient intake, such as folate and magnesium, which are both important for energy production.

Breakfast

Slow cooker breakfast beans

Serve up these slow-cooked, healthier alternative to canned baked beans on toast or with eggs for breakfast. They're a good source of protein and carbs.

Lunch
Peanut butter chicken rice bowl

If you're looking for a healthy bowl of flavourful chicken to energise for your run, this peanut butter chicken with rice and cucumber will do the job.

Afternoon snack

Energy balls with dates

Give your energy levels a real boost with these nutritionally-balanced healthy fruit bites.

Dinner

One-pot chicken & rice

You only need one pan to make this wholesome chicken dinner, so you can spend less time washing up and more time preparing for race day. It's a fantastic source of protein and carbohydrate.

Don't need to eat a gluten-free diet? Try our basic, vegetarian and vegan marathon meal plans.

Don't forget to check out the week-long gluten-free marathon meal plan.

Paula Radcliffe's top diet tip if you're training for a marathon

"Consume plenty of protein as well as carbs," says Paula. "You're going to need to tweak your diet and pay more attention to carbohydrate and protein because you're building muscle and breaking it down. People always think about the carbs and don't think so much about the protein side of it." See all of Paula's tips for success.

How to stay hydrated on a run

Want to know why your body needs to be hydrated during a long run or marathon, how often you should drink, which drinks to enjoy and if you should be taking electrolytes? Read our expert guide on staying hydrated on your run. Your hydration strategy should replace any water and electrolytes that have been lost through sweat. Make sure you start your race or long run fully hydrated – drinking approximately 500ml of fluid two hours before allows any excess to be passed as urine before you start.

How does Mo Farah stay hydrated on a run?

"Water obviously is the most natural thing you can have, but it leaves your body too quickly, and there are isotonic drinks that are better for you."

Like fluid, electrolytes are lost in sweat and may need to be replaced. You can top up your electrolyte levels with sports drinks and gels, which are an easy way to absorb and retain fluid during heavier sweat losses. Check out our review of the best electrolytes.

Deputy health editor's tips for using this plan

• For a sweet breakfast try our homemade, gluten-free muesli.
• If you prefer to skip the meat, serve up fish stew for dinner.
• If you know you like something sweet, bake a batch of gluten-free brownies.
• Remember, you can keep your freezer stocked with pre-chopped fruit and veg for busy days, or check out our high-protein meal prep recipes.

Want more running info? Now try...

Find more expert advice and answers to your training questions in our marathon hub.

What to eat before a run
What to eat during a run
What to eat after a run
How to stay hydrated on a run

James Collins is recognised as a leading Performance Nutritionist through his work with Olympic and professional sport. Over the last decade he has worked with Arsenal FC, the England and France national football teams and Team GB. He has a private practice in Harley Street where he sees business executives, performing artists and clients from all walks of life. He is the author of the new book The Energy Plan, which focuses on the key principles of fuelling for fitness.

All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.