Nick Saban, the head football coach at the University of Alabama, is a figure of immense success and, simultaneously, intense polarization in the world of college football. With multiple national championships under his belt, his name is synonymous with winning. However, his demanding nature and relentless pursuit of perfection have also made him a subject of scrutiny and even derision. To understand Saban's success, one must delve into his lifestyle, including his peculiar and regimented diet, which offers a glimpse into the method behind the "maniac."
The "Process" and its Manifestation in Diet
Saban's guiding vision is something he calls "the process," a philosophy that emphasizes preparation and hard work over consideration of outcomes or results. This process extends to every aspect of his life, including his diet. He believes in doing things the right way, and for him, that means eliminating unnecessary decisions and sticking to a routine.
As Saban himself puts it, right is never wrong. This mantra governs his approach to all aspects of life, including his diet. It reflects his belief that there is only one correct way to do things.
The Infamous Daily Menu
Saban's diet is characterized by its simplicity and consistency. For breakfast, he eats two Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies. For lunch, it's a salad of iceberg lettuce, turkey, and tomatoes. This regular menu, he says, saves him the time of deciding what to eat each day and speaks to a broader tendency to habituate his behaviors.
Da'Shawn Hand, an Alabama defensive end, once inquired about Saban's preference for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, to which Saban responded that he hadn't had one in a long time. However, Hand pressed on, asking about Saban's love for oatmeal creme pies and how many he consumes daily. Saban admitted to a quota of two as soon as he gets up in the morning.
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The Rationale Behind the Routine
Saban's rigid eating habits stem from his desire to eliminate distractions and focus on what he deems most important: football. By removing the need to make decisions about food, he frees up mental energy for game planning, recruiting, and other aspects of his leadership.
According to Saban, the regular menu saves him the time of deciding what to eat each day and speaks to a broader tendency to habituate his behaviors. It's a system he comes to by instinct rather than by adherence to some productivity guru's system. When the topic of the latest research on habit formation comes up, he seems uninterested.
A Deliberate Choice
The consistency of Saban's diet is a deliberate choice, reflecting his broader philosophy of minimizing distractions and maximizing efficiency. It's a way for him to exert control over his environment and maintain focus on his goals.
Michelle R. of For The Win notes that routine, in many ways, keeps people focused on what they need to be focused on. For Saban, it's winning national championships. For others, it may be writing books or raising the best kids on the block.
A Nutritionist's Perspective
Amy Bragg, Alabama's director of sports performance nutrition, acknowledges Saban's unusual breakfast choice but also emphasizes his overall disciplined approach to nutrition. She notes that he eats balanced, heart-healthy meals and that his oatmeal creme pies could be considered his one vice.
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Bragg also plays a crucial role in ensuring the team's nutritional needs are met. She plans and delivers nutritious, high-performance meals for the team. She is cognizant of peanut and shellfish allergies. She also learned from last year's title game that she needed to improve late-night snacks, which are intended to fuel and hydrate athletes going into the next day's practice.
Bragg meets with Saban every couple of weeks to assess players' progress. One season, she identified a group of players that she thought needed better body composition. Saban had done the same and said he had 28 guys in mind, while she had a list of 29.
Beyond the Diet: Other Aspects of Saban's Fitness
Saban's fitness regimen extends beyond his diet. He maintains a rigorous schedule that includes regular pickup basketball games with his staff and a frenetic pace on and off the field.
According to one article, Saban sometimes exercises two times a day. He runs on the treadmill or works on the elliptical at his house in the early morning. Off-season, he and some of the staff play pickup basketball two to three days a week, and during the season, maybe one day a week.
The Impact of Saban's Approach
Saban's meticulous approach to diet and fitness has undoubtedly contributed to his success as a coach. By prioritizing preparation and discipline, he sets an example for his players and creates a culture of excellence within his program.
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Barrett Jones, an offensive lineman on all three of Saban’s national championship teams at Alabama, explains that Saban obsesses over every aspect of preparation, from how the players dress at practice to how they hold their upper bodies when they run sprints. "When you're running and you're exhausted you really want to bend over," Jones says. "They won't let you. 'You must resist the human need to bend over!'"
Lessons from Saban's Routine
While Saban's specific dietary choices may not be for everyone, his commitment to routine and discipline offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to improve their performance and achieve their goals. By identifying key priorities and eliminating distractions, individuals can free up mental energy and focus on what truly matters.
Many fit people say that they eat virtually the same meals every day; mostly the same breakfast, same lunch, same dinner, and when it comes to snacks and beverages, well, very predictable food. To clarify, they did not suggest that they eat exactly the same entree for every meal, but that they often choose from three, maybe four, things that they like for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Potential Downsides
While Saban's disciplined approach has clear benefits, it's also important to consider potential downsides. Such strict adherence to a routine could lead to rigidity and an inability to adapt to changing circumstances. It's also possible that his focus on control could create a stressful environment for those around him.