What is Virat Kohli’s daily diet?

Image credit: Instagram (virat.kohli)

Virat Kohli, former captain of the Indian men's cricket team, has been quite open about his nutritional choices. He is praised not only for his cricket abilities but also for his dedication to fitness. This is also one of the reasons he is performing at his best. Kohli has inspired many others to adopt better lifestyles by being open about his changing eating habits over the years.  

Diet significantly influences an athlete's performance, recovery, and overall health. Proper nutrition provides essential fuel for physical exertion, aiding muscle repair, and enhancing endurance. A balanced diet ensures optimal energy levels and supports peak athletic output.

Here's what Virat Kohli eats and avoids to maintain his fitness and health:

In an interview with Star Sports, Kohli disclosed his strict nutrition program, saying, "When you're figuring out your fitness journey, you're trying to figure out all sorts of stuff, vitamins, additional hydration, protein, this, that, till you figure out, yeah, this is what works for me. This is the correct balance."

Image credit: Instagram (https://wsw.instagram.com/starsportsindia/reel/C5nD_niLT3k/)

Kohli shared the human side of his fitness journey, saying, "The main problem I had in terms of fitness was diet. You can go to the gym and train hard...However, the situation is rather different when it comes to eating. You have taste buds, and they are related to your own mind's desires and dislikes." When asked about his devotion to the stringent diet regimen, he stated, "I can eat the same thing three times a day for the next six months." I have no difficulties."

What does King Kohli eat throughout his day?

1. Breakfast:

Kohli begins the day with a hearty breakfast. His morning breakfast contains:

• Smoothies: These are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and provide a rapid surge of energy.
• Fruits: Fresh fruits provide natural sugars, fiber, and water.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and cashews include beneficial fats and protein.

It helps to jumpstart his metabolism, nourish his brain, and replace glycogen stores after an overnight fast.

Skipping breakfast can cause weariness, diminished concentration, and decreased performance.

2. Main Meals (Lunch, Dinner):

Kohli's major meals center on healthy nutrition. His lunch plate includes nuts, brown bread, mashed potatoes, spinach, and vegetables, with a protein shake on the side to keep his energy levels high.

• Quinoa is a high-protein grain that supplies critical amino acids. It is a versatile grain that packs a nutritional punch. Quinoa also contains complex carbohydrates, which give sustained energy.
• Vegetables: High in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fiber in vegetables supports digestive health and keeps you feeling full.
• Lentils are a fantastic plant-based protein source. They’re also high in iron, crucial for oxygen transport in the body.

Virat Kohli's meal is loaded with grilled vegetables and includes a bowl of soup.

"90% of my food is steamed or boiled. There is no masala. I consume only salt, pepper, and lime. I am not very fond of the flavor of food; I am not worried about it. Salads are delicious with a little dressing. Pan-grilled is tasty with a drizzle of olive oil. I only eat dal (lentils), not masala curries. I do, however, eat rajma and lobhiya; as a Punjabi, I can't avoid them," he told Star Sports during his England Test Series.

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3. Snacks: 

Kohli enjoys healthy snacks throughout the day, such as seeds, almonds, and fruits. These snacks help him keep his energy and avoid weariness. He avoids processed foods and sugary snacks, which can cause energy dips and reduce performance. Kohli enjoys coffee and normally drinks two cups every day. He prefers to avoid beverages that are processed or heavy in sugar. Gluten is also off-limits for him. For healthful carbohydrates, he prefers smoothies, sprouts, and salads.

What are foods that Virat Kohli avoids?

He avoids fried foods, curries, and highly spiced dishes, and has lowered his dairy consumption since going vegetarian. He has expanded his plant-based diet by integrating more tofu and soy products into his meals. In addition, he has stopped eating sugar entirely.

Why is hydration important?

Maintaining hydration is critical for general health and sports performance. Proper hydration boosts energy levels, facilitates recovery, and maintains optimal performance on the cricket pitch.

Kohli's drinking habits demonstrate his dedication to staying hydrated. He is meticulous about not only his eating but also his water. Evian's Natural Spring water is the cricketer's preferred hydration source.

This alkaline water has a high pH, which promotes health and immunity. In India, it costs roughly Rs. 4,200 per liter, making it a luxury when compared to regular cleaned water. This premium water is sourced from Evian Les Bains in France, located on one of Europe's largest lakes, spanning the French and Swiss border.

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Conclusion

Virat Kohli's diet is carefully planned to support his demanding training and cricket matches. Meals are planned strategically to maximize energy levels and promote rest, demonstrating his dedication to top physical condition. His approach emphasizes mindful nutrition, on food quality rather than quantity. His diet includes a variety of nutrient-dense meals, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which support general health. Adequate hydration is another crucial component of Kohli's practice, both for performance and recovery. He drinks plenty of water to keep up with his athletic demands.

FAQs

1. What is Virat Kohli's everyday diet?

Virat Kohli follows a high-protein vegan diet. His meals consist of pan-grilled items seasoned with olive oil, focusing on steamed and boiled options while avoiding fried or spicy food.

2. Why is Virat Kohli vegan?

Virat Kohli became vegan owing to health concerns. He developed a cervical spine condition in 2018 and was recommended to exclude non-vegetarian foods from his diet.

3. What is Virat Kohli's favourite meal?

Virat Kohli's favourite food is Chole Bhature, which he used to eat daily.