Michael Jordan, the man whose last name has become a verb by itself, was the first to ‘Jordan’ his career with win after win after win. Before retiring in 1995, and then again in January of 1999 and once more in April 2003, the basketball legend would set a standard of excellence by winning six NBA Championships in eight seasons as well as establish the Bulls as the team of the ’90s.
Though many credit the six-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player’s topnotch talent to a God-given ability, dedication, and a true love for the game, according to the iconic athlete, maintaining a healthy diet also played a major role in helping him tap into his potential on-and-off the court.
In an article published in the Chicago Tribune, Jordan’s trainer of eight years, Tim Grover, revealed that while the star wasn’t a “big eater,” he ate just enough to feel energized without feeling too full. With a goal of consuming five to six meals a day, Jordan’s priority was to regulate blood sugar levels – to boost metabolism – while watching weight gain.
While you might think he was chowing down on protein to fuel muscles, according to iFood.tv, the basketball player’s diet consisted primarily of carbohydrates: 70 percent carbs, 20 percent fats, and 10 percent proteins.
For example, breakfast may have looked a little something like: “a large bowl of oatmeal with strawberries, blueberries and raisins; scrambled egg whites; glass of orange juice.”
For lunch, Jordan looked to lean proteins like chicken with a healthy carb such as whole-grain pasta and a salad, the article adds. Meanwhile, a mid-day snack typically included a shake made from “a combination of Gatorade, protein powders, and fruits.”
For dinner, Jordan was reportedly free to eat whatever his heart desired.
When it comes to exercise, Grover admitted that’s “the easy part.” Adding that, “whether it’s lifting weights, running on a treadmill or playing basketball. Proper nutrition is often the harder proposition.”
Still, if you’re looking to get in the best shape of your life, a healthy, fit physique, it can be as easy as beginning your day with a healthy breakfast (arguably the biggest meal of the day) to jumpstart your metabolism and get your afternoon walk in.
According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults aged 18 – 64 need 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
As Grover pointed out, getting ahold of your diet may prove more challenging. After all, they don’t say abs are made in the kitchen for nothing. When aiming for a healthy weight, the National Institute of Health recommends an emphasis on veggies, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products as well as lean meats like poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
Shy away from saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars. All the while, controlling portion size. Looking to shed a few pounds? Simply reduce calorie intake by 500 to 750 calories. Before you know it, you’ll be in All-star status shape.
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