Simone Biles, one of the most decorated gymnasts in the world, approaches her diet with intuition and mindfulness, focusing on what makes her feel good and provides the necessary fuel for her rigorous training schedule. Instead of meticulously tracking every calorie or macronutrient, Biles prioritizes a healthy relationship with food, ensuring she's adequately nourished without feeling restricted.
A Day in the Life of Simone Biles' Diet
Biles' daily diet is structured around her demanding training schedule, which typically involves long hours at the gym. She emphasizes protein, fiber, and plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep her body fueled and performing at its best.
Breakfast: Quick Bites and Weekend Treats
Due to early morning practices, Biles sometimes grabs a quick and simple breakfast. Oatmeal or fruit are her go-to choices for a light, pre-workout meal. Unlike many athletes, she doesn't rely on caffeine to kickstart her day, stating, "I've never been a coffee drinker. I've always been somewhat of a morning person." Instead, she stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout her morning practice.
Weekends allow for a more relaxed breakfast routine. Biles enjoys indulging in protein waffles with chocolate chips, eggs, or even cinnamon rolls. The flexibility of her weekend schedule allows her to take her time and prepare a more substantial breakfast.
Post-Workout Recovery: Protein Shakes
Following her workouts, Biles prioritizes muscle recovery and refueling with a protein shake. "I love having a Core Power Protein Shake after a workout," she says, consuming half after her first practice and the remaining half after her second. Vanilla is her current favorite flavor, although she notes that her preference often changes.
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Lunch: Balanced Meals and Convenient Takeout
Lunch is centered around providing her body with adequate protein and fiber to replenish the calories burned during morning training. When preparing lunch at home, Biles opts for pasta, chicken, or salmon, accompanied by a variety of vegetables. She enjoys asparagus, broccoli, carrots, corn, green beans, peas, and potatoes, expressing a particular fondness for potatoes in any form.
However, Biles often relies on takeout for lunch due to her busy schedule. Ordering through apps allows her to quickly obtain a meal after showering and before returning to the gym.
Snacks: Fruit, Popcorn, and Nutella
While Biles doesn't consider herself a frequent snacker, she does enjoy certain snacks when she feels the need for an extra boost. Fruit is her go-to choice, with grapes, strawberries, and bananas being her favorites. She also allows herself occasional treats like banana bread muffins, popcorn, or pretzels dipped in Nutella. "It all depends on how I feel," she explains, emphasizing her intuitive approach to food.
Dinner: A Mix of Healthy and Indulgent Choices
After a long day of training, Biles listens to her body when deciding on dinner. If she's craving a less healthy meal, she'll opt for pizza or fettuccine Alfredo with chicken. She also enjoys exploring local restaurants, stating, "I really like home restaurants that are in the area because I feel like I get to be closer with them. I'm not picky. I'll try any new restaurant."
When cooking at home, Biles enjoys making lemon pepper salmon with rice and vegetables. Her husband, Jonathan Owens, also contributes to meal preparation, often grilling salmon or chicken served with broccoli and either potatoes or mac and cheese, ensuring vegetables are always included.
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Dessert: Cookies and Cream
Biles doesn't have a strong sweet tooth, but she does indulge in dessert when the mood strikes. When traveling, she enjoys exploring local dessert spots on Uber Eats, often ordering cookies, ice cream, or both. At home, she enjoys strawberries with whipped cream or baking her signature s'mores cookies. These cookies feature a graham cracker base, marshmallows, chocolate, and a cookie dough wrapping.
Drinks: Wine and Margaritas
Occasionally, Biles enjoys alcoholic beverages on the weekends. Her preferred choices are a glass of wine or a margarita.
The One Food She Avoids: Coconut
Despite her open-minded approach to food, there's one ingredient Biles avoids: coconut. "For some reason, I don't particularly like that taste," she explains.
Key Principles of Simone Biles' Diet
Several key principles underpin Simone Biles' approach to nutrition:
- Intuitive Eating: Biles prioritizes listening to her body and eating what feels good, avoiding strict tracking or calorie counting.
- Balance and Moderation: She doesn't restrict herself from enjoying less healthy foods but focuses on incorporating them into a balanced diet.
- Prioritizing Whole Foods: Biles emphasizes protein, fiber, fruits, and vegetables to fuel her body and support her training.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Her diet is flexible and adapts to her training schedule, cravings, and travel plans.
- Enjoyment of Food: Biles clearly enjoys food and embraces the social aspect of dining, exploring new restaurants and sharing meals with loved ones.
Mental Health and Diet
Biles has spoken about the importance of mental health and has incorporated mental health therapy into her training routine. This holistic approach extends to her diet, where she avoids restrictive eating patterns that can negatively impact mental well-being.
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The Broader Context: Athlete Diets and Longevity
Simone Biles' approach contrasts with some athletes who follow highly regimented diets. Her emphasis on balance and intuitive eating aligns with a growing trend toward mindful nutrition that prioritizes both physical and mental health. It's part of a broader trend where more people are living to be 100 and older.
Factors Contributing to Longevity
While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors also contribute to longevity. Some common traits among centenarians include:
- Strong Immune System: The ability to fight off illnesses is crucial for long life.
- Delayed Onset of Chronic Illnesses: Experiencing chronic illnesses later in life allows for a longer period of good health.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity promotes overall health and longevity.
- Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of various health problems.
- Social Connections: Strong social ties contribute to better health and well-being.
- Faith and Spirituality: Spiritual practices and beliefs can have positive effects on mental and physical health.
These traits and habits, combined with the right kind of diet, seem to allow more and more people to reach the age of 100, including famous atheletes.