Josh Hart, a prominent player for the New York Knicks, has garnered attention not only for his performance on the court but also for his unique pre-game rituals and dietary habits. This article delves into Hart's diet and workout routines, exploring the details of his nutritional choices, pre-game rituals, and overall approach to maintaining peak physical condition.
Hart's Collegiate Career and Transition to the NBA
Before joining the Knicks, Hart honed his skills at Villanova University, where he developed a sweet habit that has followed him throughout his career. Hart told Bondy of his days at Villanova.“I’d dump a box of Mike and Ike in my parka,”. “Because if they ever saw me with it, they’d make me throw it out. So I had to sneak it and hide it. Like I was like a little fat kid.”
Pre-Game Rituals: Candy, Popcorn, and Caffeine
Hart's pre-game routine is far from the meticulously planned diets of many professional athletes. Before every game, Hart indulges in a bag of popcorn and a box of his favorite candy, Mike & Ike's. This tradition dates back to his high school days in Maryland.
"I’ve just been eating them since I was in middle school," Hart said about Mike and Ikes. "I’ve probably eaten them before almost every game I’ve played since I’ve been in college. Every game I would just eat a box of Mike and Ikes."
In addition to candy, Hart consumes a significant amount of caffeine before games. The Knicks star may be a nutritionist’s worst nightmare when it comes to his massive caffeine and sugar intake before games. Josh Hart consumes a serious amount of caffeine and sugar being Knicks games.
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“I get about 300-400 milligrams of caffeine (before the game). Mike and Ikes.
Nutritional Choices and Preferences
While Hart's pre-game ritual might raise eyebrows, he also incorporates elements of a more health-conscious approach into his diet. He emphasizes the importance of clean protein sources, expressing a preference for OWYN protein shakes.
I started drinking OWYN a couple years ago, and it was just one of the things I naturally gravitate toward because it’s clean. A lot of the other protein brands - especially those chocolate, vanilla flavors - they come off very heavy. They’re not that nutritious. But OWYN kind of broke the mold with that for me, and I started drinking it after games. I loved it. And now I drink it all the time.
He notes that many other protein brands have a heavy feel and are not as nutritious.
Hart has also shown a curiosity for unique flavors, including breast milk-flavored ice cream, collaborating with Frida on a promotional campaign.
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“Frida came out with a breast milk flavored ice cream. Seems only fitting that I came here to try it,” said Hart in a cool colaboration with the brand in NYC recently. “And I’m not gonna lie, it hits different. Super sweet, kind of like vanilla with a little bit of saltiness to it,” confirmed the NBA’s most high-profile mommy milk lover. “It’s very accurate in terms of the flavor of breast milk.
Skincare and Personal Care Routine
Beyond diet, Hart also prioritizes skincare and personal care. He uses Tata Harper products, including a clarifying cleanser, water-lock moisturizer, and oil serum, a routine introduced to him by his wife.
We were using another brand, and then one day she was like, “I saw a list of cancerous things in body products, and this is on it, so we’re not using it anymore.” Then she brought in Tata Harper. I use this clarifying cleanser all the time, and the water-lock moisturizer, and then a nice oil serum. I started that little face-care routine probably like a year and a half ago.
Hart also emphasizes the importance of smelling good, using a unisex cologne daily, and adjusts his fragrance depending on the event.
Obviously, I like smelling good. I don’t want to smell whatever I bumped into that day. So I have a lot of cologne. This one I probably use the most. They’re all unisex, but the red bottle is the more masculine one. I’ll change the fragrance up, depending on what the event is, but on a daily basis, this is the one I use. It’s more refreshing.
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Faith and Personal Life
Hart grew up in the church and has recently reconnected with his faith, incorporating it into his game through a pre-free-throw ritual.
I grew up in the church, but then it wasn’t as prominent in my life until probably a year ago. I got back into reading the Bible and getting back in touch with my religion more. I go to the free-throw line a lot. I do three dribbles and a spin. The spin is just kind of random. The three dribbles are always for the Holy Trinity.
He also enjoys gaming in his free time but acknowledges that his wife and children have reduced his gaming hours.
I love gaming. I was hard-core into gaming three, four years ago, and then my wife fully moved in and started just ripping away a lot of my free time, and then kids - they rip away a lot of my free time. So when I get the chance, I always sneak my way down to the basement and play my video games.