With FIFA World Cup 2022, the first name that emerges among football fans is Cristiano Ronaldo. According to the Spanish news outlet Marca, Ronaldo will start playing for Al-Nassr on January 1, 2023. The legendary player is a marvel in himself and is currently playing in his fifth FIFA World Cup. Yes, you read it right, i.e., fifth. Usually, the play span of a footballer's career is short. But Ronaldo is a clear exception. The 37-year footballer amazes his fans, younger players and the world in general with his energy. To stay energised, active and agile, footballers follow a special diet. What is our favourite star's secret of such vigour and stamina? We may get some cues if we look at Cristiano Ronaldo's favourite foods.
A balanced diet
Ronaldo follows a strict diet plan. His meals are loaded with lean protein. He balances it with whole grains and oodles of healthy fruits. He ensures to stay away from artificially sugary food. Often his breakfast includes ham, cheese and low-fat yoghurt. There is something unique about his lunchtime preferences. He takes two lunch meals. The first one mainly consists of chicken salad. The second one usually has a portion of tuna fish, olives and one serving of eggs and tomato. For dinner, he prefers to go with his favourite swordfish with a serving of salad. At times it also includes calamari or a steak. Frozen foods are out of the question. He eats everything fresh.
Ronaldo's post on one of his breakfasts, Image Source: cristiano@Instagram
Ronaldo enjoys risotto made from Arborio rice, an Italian short-grain rice. During his stint with Manchester United, he began eating it. His daily overall energy intake usually is said to around 3,200 calories.
Healthy snacking
Often fitness experts suggest including healthy snacking in between the major meals. It looks like Ronaldo is living by this advice. He depends on fruits for snacking. If not, a toast with avocado spread is all that he needs. Earlier in one of his interviews, he had shared:
"I eat regularly. If you train regularly, it's important to keep energy levels high to fuel your body for better performance. I sometimes eat up to six smaller meals daily to ensure I have enough energy to perform each session at a top level."
Ronaldo with egg salad, Image Source: cristiano@Instagram
He has six tiny meals every day, one every three to four hours. It aids in digestion.
Fish is love
The football legend has a special taste for fish, especially tuna, sea bass, swordfish and sea bream. Likewise, he can't get over his love for cod fish. Nevertheless, he eats them in their healthiest forms. One would always observe that Ronaldo's plate is all about clean eating. The list of his favourite food includes Bacalhau à Brás. It is a classic Portuguese dish prepared with shredded salty cod or bacalhau, onions, and finely diced fried potatoes and layered in a mound of scrambled eggs.
Bacalhau à Brás, Image Source: Dreamstime
Liquid theory
For Ronaldo, his fitness, health and body are of utmost importance. He wouldn't trade it for anything. He has the willpower not to give in to any temptation. He abstains from alcohol or any aerated drinks. The striker aggressively moved two bottles of aerated drink, which were there for promotional purposes, during a press conference before Portugal's Euro 2020 opener against Hungary. He substituted water for them. "Coca-Cola, ugh," he grumbled. The only liquid he swears by is water. He ensures to stay hydrated throughout the day.