Kelly Slater, arguably the greatest surfer of all time, has captivated audiences with his skill and longevity in a sport that demands peak physical and mental condition. At 51, Slater continues to compete at the highest level, defying expectations and inspiring generations of surfers. This article delves into the diet and workout regimen that have sustained Slater's remarkable career.
The Athlete's Mindset
Slater's success is not solely attributed to physical prowess; it is also rooted in a deep understanding of his body and a commitment to mental well-being. He recognizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, the love of the game, and the ability to overcome challenges.
"I don't know anyone in the world who is becoming the best at something without being obsessive, because they love it," Slater notes, emphasizing the passion and dedication required to reach the pinnacle of any field.
Slater acknowledges the mental and emotional challenges he has faced throughout his career, including burnout, family issues, and the loss of friends. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, seeking guidance from mentors and therapists, and taking responsibility for one's own life.
"Take the approach that everything that happens in your life is your responsibility and not someone else's," Slater advises. "Don't play the victim in life and know that you can be in control and that there are ways out of desperate, terrible situations."
Read also: Peri/Menopause Salad Recipe
Diet: Fueling the Body for Peak Performance
Slater's approach to diet is not dogmatic but rather personalized and intuitive. He has experimented with various diets over the years, recognizing that individual bodies respond differently to different foods.
"I truly do believe certain people's bodies work better on different foods," Slater states. "From my experience, I really do believe there's something behind the blood type diet."
Slater, who has blood type A, finds that a more vegetarian-based diet, with some fish, suits him best. He emphasizes the importance of listening to his body and paying attention to how different foods affect his energy levels, digestion, and sleep.
Key Dietary Components
- Smoothies: Slater is a long-time advocate of smoothies, particularly as a pre-surf breakfast. Smoothies are quickly absorbed, providing instant energy after fasting during sleep. They are packed with nutrients, including dark green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and collard greens, which can be absorbed up to three times faster than when chewed. Smoothies help fortify the immune system and promote overall body health.
- Chia Seeds: Slater is an ambassador for the Chia Co and incorporates chia seeds into his diet. He soaks chia seeds in coconut water overnight and eats them for breakfast, along with berries and nuts. Chia seeds are a source of essential fats (Omega 3) and amino acids.
- Healthy Fats: Slater recognizes the importance of healthy fats for brain function, digestion, and joint health. He consumes avocados, coconuts, and chia seeds, which are natural sources of good fats.
- Clean Eating: Slater defines clean eating as not eating too many different types of foods at once and varying the types of nutrients consumed. For example, he suggests varying protein sources to ensure a wide range of amino acids.
- Avoiding Allergens: Slater undergoes blood panel food allergy tests to identify and eliminate foods that trigger adverse reactions. He has noticed a significant difference in his well-being when cutting out wheat and other allergens.
Daily Routine
Slater starts each day with warm water and lemon to flush his system, followed by a smoothie containing spinach, broccoli, greens powder, banana, raw cacao, and chia seeds. He dilutes coffee with almond or coconut milk for a caffeine boost. He has been mostly dairy-free for two decades.
Supplements
Slater takes a variety of supplements in the morning and before meals to aid digestion. These include enzymes, vitamins (COQ10, GABA, and 5-HTP), and plant-derived mineral supplements. He emphasizes the importance of choosing natural, plant-based supplements that are bioavailable to the body.
Read also: Weight Loss Journey
Workout: Maintaining Functional Fitness
While surfing is Slater's primary form of exercise, he also incorporates other activities to maintain his physical condition. He focuses on functional fitness, which emphasizes strength, flexibility, and endurance for surfing.
Key Workout Components
- Surfing: Surfing itself provides a comprehensive workout, engaging various muscle groups and requiring both quick bursts of energy and sustained endurance.
- Cardio: Slater recognizes the importance of cardio for surfing, which involves both sprint-like bursts and longer periods of paddling.
- Stretching and Yoga: Slater stretches and practices yoga to maintain flexibility and prevent injuries.
- Pilates: Slater enjoys Pilates, which helps strengthen his core and improve his overall body control.
- Bodywork: Slater prioritizes bodywork, including Thai massage and deep tissue massage, to address tightness and imbalances in his body. He uses a Hypervolt to work on his muscles while traveling.
Injury Prevention
Slater is acutely aware of the physical demands of surfing and the importance of injury prevention. He has suffered broken feet multiple times and recognizes the strain that surfing places on ankles, knees, and shoulders.
"Shoulders get worn out after paddling," notes fellow surfer Stephanie Gilmore.
Slater emphasizes the importance of listening to his body, seeking professional help when needed, and maintaining a holistic approach to health and wellness.