7-day meal plan for CrossFit
Get the energy you need to crush your workouts with the 7-Day Meal Plan for CrossFit. This plan ensures you have the right mix of nutrients to power through high-intensity sessions and aid in recovery. Enjoy delicious meals that help you stay strong and perform at your best.
Meal plan grocery list
- Salmon
- Sweet potatoes
- Chicken breast
- Quinoa
- Oats
- Greek yogurt
- Avocado
- Eggs
- Almond butter
- Spinach
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Brown rice
- Chia seeds
- Hummus
- Mixed nuts
- Whole grain bread
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Cottage cheese
- Turkey breast
- Zucchini
- Kale
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Black beans
- Carrots
- Apples
- Lemons
- Lentils
- Berries
Article reviewed
- Written by Roxana Grabowska
- Published on June 3, 2024.
- Updated on Sept. 10, 2024.
Meal plan overview
Maximize your workouts with the 7-Day Meal Plan for CrossFit. This plan features meals high in protein and healthy carbs to support intense training sessions and recovery. Enjoy dishes like grilled salmon with sweet potatoes, protein pancakes, and avocado toast to keep you energized and strong.
Each day offers meal ideas designed to fuel high-intensity workouts and promote muscle recovery. This plan makes it easy to stay on track with your CrossFit goals while enjoying nutritious and delicious meals.
Foods to eat
- Rich Protein Sources: Focus on meats, dairy, and legumes to fuel muscle repair and growth needed for intense workouts.
- Energy-Boosting Carbs: Include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for energy and to fuel recovery after workouts.
- Healthy Fats: Add avocados, nuts, and seeds to your diet for long-term energy and to support cell health.
- Hydrating Liquids: Prioritize adequate water intake, supplemented with natural electrolyte sources like coconut water.
- Recovery Foods: Post-workout, focus on foods like yogurt or a banana with peanut butter for quick muscle recovery.
✅ Tip
Prepare overnight oats with chia seeds and almond milk for a quick, protein-rich breakfast to kickstart your day.
Foods not to eat
- Heavy Creams and Sauces: Avoid foods that are high in heavy creams and sauces which can be calorie-dense and slow down digestion.
- Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption as it can interfere with recovery and hydration levels.
Main benefits
A 7-day meal plan for CrossFit athletes ensures they receive the necessary fuel to perform high-intensity workouts and recover effectively. Start each day with a balanced breakfast like scrambled eggs with spinach and whole-grain toast to kickstart metabolism and provide lasting energy. Lunch could be a grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, quinoa, and a light vinaigrette, offering a mix of protein and complex carbs. For dinner, options like salmon with sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli help replenish glycogen stores and promote muscle recovery. Include snacks such as Greek yogurt with honey, nuts, and fresh fruit to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Hydration with plenty of water and electrolyte drinks is essential, especially post-workout.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To fuel your CrossFit workouts and enhance performance, try these nutritious substitutions:
- For a quicker energy source, white rice can replace brown rice in post-workout meals.
- To boost protein intake, Greek yogurt with protein powder can replace cottage cheese in snacks.
- For added omega-3s, flaxseed oil can replace olive oil in dressings and cooking.
- To improve digestion, kimchi can replace mixed nuts as a snack.
- For sustained energy, whole grain pasta can replace quinoa in lunch dishes.
How to budget on this meal plan
Planning a 7-day meal plan for CrossFit athletes can be budget-friendly by focusing on high-protein, affordable foods like eggs, chicken, and beans. Preparing meals ahead, such as chicken stir-fry with vegetables or a big pot of chili, can save time and money. Include snacks like homemade protein balls and bananas to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Buying seasonal vegetables in bulk and freezing them can ensure you always have nutritious options available. Hydrating with homemade electrolyte drinks using water, a pinch of salt, and a splash of fruit juice can be an economical way to stay energized.
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Here are some high-energy snacks for CrossFit athletes:
- Greek yogurt with honey and granola
- Banana with almond butter
- Mixed nuts and seeds
- Whole grain crackers with cheese
- Fruit smoothie with spinach and almond milk
- Apple slices with peanut butter
- Boiled eggs with a dash of salt and pepper
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For CrossFit athletes, drink options include water with electrolytes for hydration, coconut water for natural electrolytes, and protein shakes made with water or unsweetened almond milk. Green tea can provide antioxidants, and milk or fortified plant-based alternatives can supply necessary calcium and protein. Avoid sugary drinks and focus on hydrating, nutrient-rich options.
How to get even more nutrients?
For CrossFit athletes, focus on high-protein, nutrient-dense foods to support intense workouts and recovery. Choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and beans, seasoned with spices. Include a variety of vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes for essential vitamins and minerals. Add whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats for fiber and sustained energy. Incorporate healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds. Finish with a serving of fresh fruit like bananas or berries to add natural sweetness and additional nutrients. This balanced approach supports energy levels and muscle recovery.
Meal plan suggestions
7-Day Meal Plan for CrossFit
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oats with blueberries, chia seeds, and a dollop of Greek yogurt
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and chunks of grilled chicken breast
- Dinner: Baked salmon with a side of roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli
- Snack: Apple slices with almond butter
Day 2
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach, tomatoes, and whole grain bread
- Lunch: Brown rice bowl with black beans, avocado, and mixed nuts
- Dinner: Turkey breast stir-fried with zucchini, kale, and garlic in olive oil
- Snack: Greek yogurt with mixed berries and a sprinkle of oats
Day 3
- Breakfast: Cottage cheese with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of chia seeds
- Lunch: Lentil soup with carrots, spinach, and a squeeze of lemon
- Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed bell peppers
- Snack: Hummus with cucumber slices
Day 4
- Breakfast: Avocado toast on whole grain bread with poached eggs
- Lunch: Tuna salad with kale, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Stir-fried turkey breast with broccoli, garlic, and carrots served over brown rice
- Snack: A handful of mixed nuts
Day 5
- Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, blueberries, spinach, and a banana
- Lunch: Baked sweet potato stuffed with lentils, sautéed kale, and topped with cottage cheese
- Dinner: Grilled salmon with a side salad of spinach, avocado, and bell peppers
- Snack: Carrot sticks with almond butter
Day 6
- Breakfast: Pancakes made from oats, eggs, and topped with apple slices and a drizzle of almond butter
- Lunch: Quinoa and black bean salad with diced tomatoes, avocado, and lemon dressing
- Dinner: Roasted chicken breast with garlic zucchini and mashed sweet potatoes
- Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes
Day 7
- Breakfast: Omelet with turkey breast, spinach, and bell peppers
- Lunch: Lentil and carrot stew with a side of whole grain bread
- Dinner: Baked cod with a side of steamed broccoli and quinoa
- Snack: Berries with a handful of nuts
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.