Whether you’re a fan or not, Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable endurance in football commands respect. Recently celebrating his 40th birthday, the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend continues to perform.
Although he’s no longer competing at elite European levels after his lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, he still dominates on the international stage for Portugal, with ambitions set on participating in the next World Cup in North America when he’ll be 41.
Ronaldo will maintain a strict, health-conscious diet to keep his dream alive. He once declared: “A good workout must be accompanied by a good diet. I eat a high-protein diet, with lots of wholegrain carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables, and I avoid sugary foods.”
What does Ronaldo eat?
His diet centres on natural, fresh and richly nutritious ingredients. It includes an array of food packed with proteins, healthy fats and complex carbs.
His protein staples involve ample chicken, fish (particularly cod), eggs and lean meats. Predictably, his intake also consists of abundant fresh fruits and vegetables, with salad ranking high among his preferred choices.
Carbohydrate sources like brown rice, sweet potatoes and whole-grain pasta figure prominently for energy. When it comes to hydration, Ronaldo opts for plenty of water and natural shakes infused with proteins and vitamins. Nuts, olive oil and avocado supply him with healthy fats.
How often does Ronaldo eat?
Ronaldo maintains his energy levels by eating every three to four hours, with six small meals a day in total. His breakfast often includes low-fat yoghurt, eggs, cheese and ham.
Lunch might consist of a fresh salad with chicken, while a typical later meal could be fish with vegetables. One of Ronaldo’s favourite dishes is cod with onion, scrambled eggs and thin potatoes, usually whipped up by his personal chef. He also snacks on fruit and avocado toast between main meals.
What Ronaldo won’t touch
Ronaldo doesn’t touch fizzy drinks and he has been teetotal since 2005. During a Euro 2020 press conference, when a bottle of Coca-Cola was placed in front of him, he moved it aside, promoting the benefits of water instead.
He avoids these drinks due to their high sugar content and additives that can impact metabolism, cause inflammation and increase body fat, all of which can negatively affect athletic performance.
The combination of avoiding sugary drinks and eating natural foods ensures Ronaldo’s body fat percentage stays incredibly low. This aids muscle recovery, helps maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day, contributes to his youthful skin and prevents performance-impairing inflammation.
Therefore, it’s no wonder that Ronaldo has inspired many individuals, both within and outside the football world, to lead healthier lifestyles.