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Lebron James and Steph Curry are not only well known for being superstar NBA champions. But as the years continue to tick by, the masses are in complete awe over their longevity in the game. James has entered his 22nd year in the league, and Curry is in season 16. Their long-lasting skills and talent can be attributed to their fitness maintenance and diet. Therefore, today, we are going to examine and peer deeper into what exactly NBA superstars Lebron James and Steph Curry opt to eat to achieve top-notch and elite on-court performance.

Let’s begin with the purple and gold icon. James famously mentioned how he ate plenty of McDonald’s fast food at the beginning of his career. He has done a 180, giving up the ways of the Big Mac. But it’s not like he is not surrounded by temptation. Interestingly, part of Lebron’s growing financial empire has come from fast food ventures. As mentioned in a business report by Sports Feen, the Lakers player and entrepreneur was even sponsored by McDonald’s from 2010 to 2014, opted out of his partnership with the Golden Arches, and then signed on with Blaze Pizza (a little chain based in Pasadena, California).

You would think that being in such proximity to fast food would be an immense lure for you to partake in their tasty items. However, James is the epitome of willpower. And his diet is impeccable, with just a cheat meal here and there. This type of discipline is paying off. At the start of his 21st season, James averaged 23 points, ten rebounds, and seven assists. And thus far this year, in his 22nd season, Lebron is averaging 24.0 points on 51.1% field-goal shooting and 46.8% from 3-point range, 7.5 assists, and 6.9 rebounds a game. This proves the point…taking good care of yourself is the key to success, and health is wealth.

Lebron James Diet and Nutrition

Furthermore, James has changed his tune regarding his nutrition “from his early days” as he nears turning 40. The 39-year-old now aims to consume a “clean” diet and eliminate foods that do not help him perform better during a game. James likes incorporating a diet that limits processed foods, sugar, and dairy. Instead, James eats lean meats, fish, fruit, and vegetables. This diet includes salmon, vegetable salads, chicken breast, and omelets.

Such a diet is perfect for an athlete. Eating the right foods is linked to many health benefits, including more energy and an improved mood. Also, eating clean can improve brain and heart health, leading to a more robust immune system and giving you more sustained energy. Energy is definitely what an aging athlete would want as they compete with younger opponents. We are witnessing with Lebron the truth that the body is like a machine; care for it, and it will operate and function well.

Lastly, James’ clean-eating diet contains foods that help to calm your nervous system and trigger sleep hormonal agents, assisting you in resting better in the evening. For instance, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, bananas, beans, and whole grains (all foods Lebron eats) can help promote better sleep. Athletes need rest to help their muscles recover from grueling training and competition. With his diet in good order, Lebron is assured that he is eating what he needs to have more energy and recover.

What James Has to Say About What He Consumes

Nonetheless, Lebron James, in interviews with publications like Men’s Health, has provided insights into what he does and does not allow into his body. He also spilled the beans on what he indulges in daily. James reveals:

“So, I kinda cut out the sugars, but the carbs I ramp up. Because you’re losing so many calories, you’re burning so many calories, burning all your energy throughout those games. So, I go heavy on the carbs because it gives you energy. It’s worked for me.

[Regarding wine] I’ve heard it’s good for the heart. Listen, I’m playing the best basketball of my life and drinking some wine pretty much every day. Whatever it is, I’ll take it.”

It is estimated that James spends between one and two million dollars yearly to care for his body. And it is money well spent. Lebron James now plays with his son, Bronny James, in a historic father-son duo. He is the NBA's All-Time Leading Scorer. Lebron’s dedication to fitness, diet, nutrition, and conditioning is truly inspiring.

Steph Curry’s Dedication to Eating Well

While Lebron’s guilty pleasure may be wine, Curry’s is bourbon. The Warriors four-time champion has even launched his brand, the Gentleman’s Cut Bourbon. However, outside of a traditional drink, Steph is all business with his diet consumption.

Curry has also had his fair share of press and interviews regarding his eating habits. While speaking to the Barron’s quarterly glossy Penta, Curry remarks:

“Before and after the game, I eat… some chicken or salmon, pasta, or rice and veggies—usually broccoli or Brussels sprouts. Maybe asparagus. And also, before a game, a handful of popcorn. I probably eat around 3,000 calories daily when I have a game.”

For most of us, eating Brussels sprouts seems like a struggle. Our parents begged us to eat them. However, for an athlete like Steph, it is a brilliant choice. Why? Healthy muscle.

Basketball players’ bodies take a pounding on the court. They are running nonstop, jumping and moving in ways that take a lot of agility to make a defender miss. Therefore, having strong muscles becomes extremely important.

In this regard, Brussels sprouts are a great source of plant protein. They contain a high amount of protein that is very digestible and excellent for muscle building and repair. Furthermore, the chemical compound sulforaphane in sprouts also reduces cell death, crucial to sustaining muscle mass and facilitating fast recovery.

Steph Curry Nutrition Choices

However, other aspects of Curry’s diet are also excellent for muscle building, repair, and prevention of muscle loss. His nutrition consists of foods high in complex carbs and healthy fats that help strengthen muscles. Some ideas include eggs, dairy foods, soybeans, brown rice, nuts, and seeds. Steph prefers starting his day with fresh fruit smoothies, avocado toast, cereals, fresh fruits, milk, and eggs, which offer him energy.

Additionally, tuna, salmon, snapper, and yellowtail are all excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat that has been found to help reduce muscle loss. Since Steph Curry often reaches for salmon, rice, and vegetables in the evening, he is definitely helping his body stay strong and toned.

Two Greats, Two Excellent Athletic Examples

Lebron James and Steph Curry are shining examples of what it really takes to be athletic legends: sacrifice, discipline, and dedication. Both men are passionate about the game they love and the behind-the-scenes maintenance it takes to remain far above the rest of the league.

One last thing these two notable basketball players have in common is staying hydrated. Curry, who has even partnered with BRITA in the past to encourage water consumption, has repeatedly stated that drinking water is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, James has confirmed that he drinks at least one gallon of water daily.

Water has many benefits. It helps with digestion, cognitive clarity, energy boost, and muscle function—all things that certainly help an athlete perform better.

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