Travis Barker, the iconic drummer of Blink-182, has carved a name for himself not only through his musical talent but also through his dedication to health and wellness. A vegetarian since the age of 13, Barker fully embraced a vegan lifestyle after surviving a plane crash in 2008. His commitment to fitness is evident in his diverse workout routine, which includes running, boxing, and Muay Thai. This article delves into Barker's diet and workout regimen, offering insights into how he maintains peak physical condition while navigating the demands of a rock star lifestyle.
A Vegan Awakening and the Pursuit of Wellness
Barker's journey into health and wellness took a significant turn after a life-altering plane crash. This experience prompted him to re-evaluate his lifestyle and prioritize his well-being. His commitment to veganism extends beyond just dietary choices; he also co-founded a CBD company, Barker Wellness Co., to provide vegan-friendly wellness products.
Pre-pandemic, Barker found it challenging to recover fully between shows. He began experimenting with various recovery methods, including cryotherapy, massage, sauna sessions, and CBD products. He noted that CBD significantly improved his sleep and helped alleviate soreness.
Daily Routine and Dietary Choices
Barker typically wakes up by 9:30 AM, depending on his previous night's activities. His mornings often begin at his studio, where he enjoys a healthy bowl from Crossroads Kitchen, featuring vegetables and the option of an Impossible kebab. If he works out before heading to the studio, he opts for a protein shake.
Workouts
Barker works out every day, with one rest day per week. His workouts vary from boxing and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to Muay Thai. He also incorporates running into his routine, sometimes running six or seven miles within an hour. Recently, he has been training with Don-A-Matrix, which he describes as intense.
Read also: Transform Your Health: Stork Diet
Post-Workout Shake
Barker's post-workout shake consists of Onnit chocolate plant-based protein, cacao powder, flax oil, flax seed, almond milk, cinnamon, and almond butter. He also adds Onnit Recovery to his smoothie.
Daily Meals and Snacks
For lunch, Barker often visits Erewhon Market, where he enjoys beefless broccoli with Brussels sprouts and green beans. He snacks on almonds or walnuts between meals. Before bed, he might have a few pistachios or Ripple chocolate milk, which is high in protein. He also uses a sleep tincture to improve his sleep quality.
Hydration
Barker emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated, consuming a gallon of water daily.
Guilty Pleasures and Dietary Discipline
Barker admits to having a few guilty pleasures, including vegan pizza, vegan sushi, and Vietnamese vegan food from Au Lac. He also enjoys Craig's Vegan ice cream. However, he has learned to avoid keeping these temptations at home to maintain his dietary discipline. Sometimes, a spoonful of almond butter serves as his dessert.
Staying Fit on the Road
Touring can be challenging for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but Barker has developed strategies to stay in shape while on the road.
Read also: Gut Health Revolution
The Right Diet
Barker adheres to his vegan diet as much as possible while touring. He juices frequently and ensures he gets enough protein, which can be a challenge for vegans. He also drinks plenty of water and takes a protein shake every morning. Occasionally, he may have egg whites for extra protein. Barker also takes joint supplements to alleviate pain and keep his body moving.
Commitment and Practice
Barker's commitment to putting on the best possible show is evident in his rigorous warm-up routine. He often plays the entire set once before going on stage to feel confident and comfortable.
Keeping in Shape
Even during downtime, Barker maintains his fitness routine. He runs in his neighborhood, does MMA training, and switches up his activities to prevent his body from adapting too quickly.
The Importance of Wellness
Barker's commitment to wellness extends beyond diet and exercise. He quit smoking after a health scare involving ulcers and precancerous cells in his throat. He feels much better since making these changes and appreciates the consistency in his well-being.
Kourtney Kardashian's Influence
Barker's relationship with Kourtney Kardashian has further reinforced his commitment to wellness. The couple connected over exercise and continue to work out together. Barker has also adopted some of Kardashian's dietary habits, including incorporating matcha into his routine and following a vegan diet about 75 percent of the time. One of his favorite recipes is an avocado shake that he adapted from Kardashian.
Read also: Kelce's Nutritional Strategy
Barker's Travel Challenges
Barker faces unique challenges due to his fear of flying, stemming from the 2008 plane crash. This often requires him to travel by boat for extended periods when touring in Europe. During these voyages, he focuses on cardio and light weight training.
Detailed Look at Barker's Routine
Morning
- Wake up by 9:30 AM
- Breakfast: Crossroads bowl with vegetables and optional Impossible kebab, or a protein shake if working out
Workout
- Daily workout routine, including boxing, HIIT, Muay Thai, and running
- Training with Don-A-Matrix
Post-Workout
- Protein shake: Onnit chocolate plant-based protein, cacao powder, flax oil, flax seed, almond milk, cinnamon, and almond butter
Lunch
- Erewhon Market: Beefless broccoli with Brussels sprouts and green beans
Snacks
- Almonds or walnuts
Dinner
- Vegan sushi from Nobu or Matsuhisa
- Vegan Italian dishes from Crossroads Kitchen: Pasta bolognese, pizza, calamari, caesar salad, or artichoke oysters
Before Bed
- Pistachios or Ripple chocolate milk
- Sleep tincture
Hydration
- One gallon of water per day
Favorite Food Spots
Barker enjoys dining at various spots in Los Angeles, including:
- Crossroads Kitchen: Vegan Italian dishes and desserts
- Erewhon Market: Meatless beef and broccoli
- Nobu and Matsuhisa: Vegan sushi
- Au Lac: Vietnamese vegan food
Sample Meal Plan
- Breakfast: Protein shake with plant-based protein, almond milk, flax seed, and banana
- Lunch: Meatless beef and broccoli from Erewhon Market with a turmeric smoothie
- Snack: Almonds
- Dinner: Vegan sushi from Nobu
- Dessert: Coconut sorbet from Nobu