Winter warmer recipes for runners

It’s finally December which means you can start opening those advent calendars, playing Christmas music, drinking mulled wine and generally getting festive (if you haven’t already!).

Meeting up with a running group is a great way to stay motivated, and winter (as long as you're wrapped up in some warm, reflective clothing) can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding times to get out and run.

But for all runners – with the cold nights and festive treats threatening the dreaded cold or extra few inches on the waistline, not to mention the impact of Christmas on the wallet – indulging in some cheap, nutritious and delicious winter warming meals can be a healthy reward after running.

So we invited runners to suggest their favourite winter warmer recipes on our Facebook Page and via Twitter, and here are our top recipes (thanks for your feedback everyone!):

Carrot and Potato Soup

Ingredients: three potatoes; two large carrots; 3oz lentils; one onion; chicken/vegetable stock; salt and pepper; vegetable oil for frying

Instructions: fry the onion in some oil, then add the veg and fry some more. Add water (just enough to cover everything) and the lentils and bring to the boil. Add a stock cube and season to taste. Simmer until everything is cooked and blend down. If it’s too thick, just add water!

Thanks to Rachael Chadwick for suggesting this recipe on Facebook

Chicken and Veg Stir Fry

Ingredients: chicken breast; peppers; mushrooms; pasta; Sacla chilli pesto; spinach; black pepper

Instructions: put some pasta on the boil and cook as per the instructions on the packet. Then, stir fry the chicken in a wok or frying pan and, once cooked all the way through, add the peppers and mushrooms. Add the cooked pasta and plenty of chilli pesto (this stuff is amazing!). Throw in some spinach and allow it to wilt, then serve immediately with lots of black pepper!

Thanks to Kath Henderson for suggesting this recipe on Facebook

Roast Veg Side Dish

Ingredients: crushed black pepper; garlic; mixed peppers; onions; tomatoes; mushrooms; spray oil

Instructions: dice the mixed peppers, onions, tomatoes and mushrooms into chunks and pop the lot into a roasting dish. Sprinkle on top with the crushed black pepper and garlic, along with a thin layer of spray oil (or whatever oil you have), mix together and roast in the oven on gas mark 7 for 20 minutes. Can be added to any dish!

Thanks to Helen Chapman for suggesting this recipe on Facebook

Bonus Dish

Thanks to Rich Chowns who suggested this delicious Moroccan Sweet Potato Stew recipe, courtesy of Good Housekeeping magazine. Perfect for hungry runners!

Photo by Rosalyn Newton