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The Diet That Helped Michael Jordan Stay At The Top Of His Game

If you want to perform at your best, carbs are key. - by Lucy Bode
  • 12 May 2020

On a Michael Jordan deep-dive after inhaling this week’s ep of Netflix’s The Last Dance? Join the club, friend. There’s no doubt the man was – and is – an absolute weapon on the basketball court. But although many may put his athletic ability down to discipline and God-given talent, his diet has played a huge role too.

WATCH: The Last Dance Featuring Michael Jordan...

Speaking with the Chicago Tribune back in 1996, Tim Grover (Michael’s personal trainer of eight years) shared all the details of his day on a plate. His goal? Five to six frequent but small meals made up of 70 per cent carbs, 20 per cent fats and 10 per cent proteins.

“Michael is not a big eater,” Grover told the publication. “He eats only when he’s hungry and only until he feels comfortable rather than full.”

RELATED: 11 Vegan Meals With More Protein Than A Hamburger

mj
Getty

This nutrition plan was designed to keep his blood sugar levels stable and boost his metabolism, while avoiding weight gain.

"If he were to eat a big breakfast and then not have any food again until after practice, say around 3 p.m., then his insulin and energy levels would raise up in the morning for a while but crash in the afternoon. It could affect his mood along with his activity level,” Grover explained.

Instead, Michael would load up at brekkie – his biggest meal of the day -followed by a mid-morning protein shake, then lunch and a second protein shake, followed by a light dinner. Game nights were a whole different story: Michael would eat a larger dinner instead of the mid-afternoon snack, then chowed down on something light once the siren went off.

mj
Getty

Broken down further, MJ’s standard food fare looked a little like this:

Breakfast: “A large bowl of oatmeal with strawberries, blueberries and raisins; scrambled egg whites; glass of orange juice.”

Lunch: Lean proteins like chicken breast or hamburger with a healthy carb (e.g. whole-grain pasta or a baked potato) and a green salad.

Snacks: a shake made with “a combination of Gatorade, protein powders and fresh fruit.”

Dinner: “Whatever he wants,” Grover said.

RELATED: Here's What The Rock’s 6,000 Calorie Cheat Meals Look Like

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Lucy Bode
Lucy Bode
Lucy is WH’s Digital Editor, Features Writer, social media guru and resident woo. A long black lover and foodie at heart, she considers peanut butter an hourly staple and believes chardonnay is the superior drop. When she's not at the beach, barre or yoga studio you'll find her coming up with new and improved ways to kill her unkillable houseplants

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