Novak Djokovic’s diet is a lesson in a strict commitment to being the best in the world
If you look at Novak Djokovic, the No. 1 player in the world, you see a fit, lean man that can track down just about every ball on any surface in the world. But have you ever wondered what he does to maintain that look?
The Wall Street Journal released a typical day in the life of Djokovic's diet, and if you've ever thought cutting out those Cinnabons was the way to a healthy lifestyle, think again.
Djokovic's diet cuts out coffee, sugar and only allows the 26-year-old to drink warm water all day long. Yes, warm water, because cold water apparently "slows digestion and "diverts blood away from where I want it—in my muscles.""
Here is his full diet ...
Want to roll like the world's top men's tennis player? Start by drinking loads of warm water all day long, as well as shakes made with pea protein concentrate. Avoid dairy and stay away from alcohol during tournaments. Eat lots of avocados, cashew butter and very little sugar. Banish caffeine, other than the occasional energy gel bar before matches. Be sure to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night, meditate, do plenty of yoga and tai chi, take melatonin supplements, hook yourself up to a biofeedback machine that measures your stress level and, when you have a free moment or two, keep a diary. Feel free to unwind with a cup of warm licorice tea.
Okay, so no coffee, no beer, no dairy and eat a lot of manuka honey from New Zealand? Even A.J. Jacobs thinks this diet is strange.
I am always fascinated to read about an elite pro's diet. While people like Novak have the means to eat just about anything they want on this planet at any time, it's interesting to see exactly what he and his nutritionist pick as the ideal way to prepare a machine like Djokovic for his optimal ability.
It's also just cool to see what lengths certain athletes will go do to be the best. Plenty of us can sit on our couches saying, "Sure, I'd eat like this if I was getting paid millions to play tennis," but would we really be disciplined enough to do that? I'm skeptical, but Djokovic is a dedicated man and has found a certain recipe for success, both on and off the court.
Now tell me, would you rather have Novak's diet or the one that Michael Phelps was on during his Olympic training?
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