Jalen Hurts has ascended to the pinnacle of the NFL, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX and earning the MVP title. His success is not solely attributed to his athletic prowess but also to his unwavering commitment to nutrition and a meticulously designed workout regimen. Hurts embodies the idea that to perform at an elite level, one must treat nutrition as a crucial aspect of training.
Nutrition as a Form of Training
Hurts firmly believes that nutrition is an integral part of his training regime. He dismisses the notion that athletes can eat whatever they want due to their high caloric expenditure, emphasizing the importance of discipline in maintaining a healthy diet. To be the strongest quarterback in the NFL means staying consistent throughout the year.
A Typical Day of Eating
Hurts' daily diet is structured to provide sustained energy and support muscle recovery.
- Breakfast: A simple meal consisting of protein (eggs or turkey bacon), fruits, and occasionally a carb like a potato or toast.
- Lunch: A light salad, typically a Caesar or Cobb salad, to avoid feeling heavy during practice. Caesar salads are usually made with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing, while Cobb salads often feature chopped lettuce topped with chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, avocado, and blue cheese.
- Dinner: The focus is on the "big three" - fish, chicken, or steak - paired with a variety of vegetables. Depending on the season he'll switch up the carb because "you don't want to walk around feeling too heavy all the time," he says.
- Snacks: A handful of sunflower seeds, a nostalgic reminder of his baseball days, helps him stay focused during long hours of game planning.
Indulgences and Rewards
Hurts allows for occasional indulgences, viewing them as rewards for his hard work. His go-to treats are Blue Bell ice cream and homemade cookies made by the wife of Jeremiah Washburn, senior defensive assistant of the Eagles, after big wins. Fresh out of the grease fried chicken is also a favorite comfort food.
Avoiding Pork and Fried Foods
Hurts avoids pork due to how his body reacts to it. He also limits fried foods to maintain a clean diet.
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Staying Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is a key component of Hurts' nutritional strategy, helping him cleanse his system and maintain optimal hydration.
The Importance of Real Food
Hurts emphasizes the importance of eating real food, such as steak, chicken, fish, and vegetables, rejecting processed or plant-based alternatives.
Jalen Hurts' Workout Routine
Hurts' workout regimen focuses on durability and longevity, with an emphasis on on-field performance rather than solely maximizing weight room strength.
Prioritizing Durability
Hurts' training focuses on enhancing his longevity in the sport.
Emphasis on On-Field Performance
The workout regimen prioritizes movements and exercises that translate directly to improved performance on the field.
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Avoiding Squats
Despite his ability to squat 600 pounds, Hurts' workout routine rarely includes squats, focusing instead on exercises that promote durability.
Warm-up with Planking and Pushups
Hurts warms up with a four-minute plank to strengthen his core and shoulders, followed by three sets of 10 reps of pushups with varying hand positions.
Substituting Dumbbells for Barbells
Hurts prefers dumbbell presses over barbell bench presses, as they are easier on the shoulders. He also limits the range of motion to protect his shoulders.
Medicine Ball Throws for Lower Back Health
Hurts performs medicine ball throws from various angles to protect his lower back from injuries and soreness.
Pushups for Shoulder Health
Hurts incorporates pushups with different hand positions to strengthen and lubricate his shoulders.
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- Scapular Pushups: Focus on squeezing and spreading the shoulder blades.
- Hands-In Pushups: Fingers pointing inward to stretch the wrists and challenge the shoulders.
- Hands-Out Pushups: Fingers pointing outward for a different shoulder challenge.
- Low Pushup Hold: Holding a pushup position with elbows at a 90-degree angle.
Consistency and Discipline
Hurts' success stems from his unwavering consistency and discipline in both his diet and workout routine. He understands the importance of preparing diligently and staying true to himself. Hurts consistently monitors his weight, aiming for a body fat percentage of around 7.1 percent, while prioritizing feeling good and performing well.
Mental Fortitude and Recovery
Hurts recognizes the importance of mental fortitude and recovery in maintaining peak performance. He uses music as a therapeutic tool to unwind and refocus. After games, he prioritizes sleep, massages, and cold tubs to aid in recovery.
Lessons from Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts' approach to diet and exercise offers valuable insights for athletes and anyone seeking to optimize their health and performance. His emphasis on discipline, consistency, and real food serves as a model for achieving peak physical condition. By prioritizing durability and longevity, Hurts is setting himself up for a long and successful career in the NFL.