Cristiano Ronaldo has prioritized his health and staying in top physical shape for more than two decades. His former chef, Giorgio Barone, shared what the Portuguese soccer legend eats and what he stays away from.
Ronaldo has earned praise from many for his strict dieting and commitment to his fitness during the offseason. He occasionally shares updates on his social media, which provides fans a glimpse into his typical day-to-day routine.
Barone, who works with several elite soccer players, revealed that Ronaldo maintains a balanced diet. He primarily consumes light foods and avoids dairy, sugar, and heavy meals, including bread.
“Ronaldo’s diet is balanced. He eats a little bit of everything but it’s always healthy. Starting with breakfast, he would have an avocado with coffee, eggs, and no sugar. Absolutely no sugar,” Barone told Covers. “Lunch could be chicken, fish, and always vegetables. If he needs carbohydrates, he gets them through vegetables, so doesn’t need anything made with flour. Nothing like pasta, bread, and other types of food.”
He added: “In the evening, he eats light foods, usually fish or meat in the form of fillet. It’s always accompanied by vegetables.”
Now 40, Ronaldo is proof that a stronger emphasis on diet can benefit a player’s longevity.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Former Chef Explains Why Dairy Should Be Avoided
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former chef, Giorgio Barone, also explained why dairy products should be avoided. He noted that while alternatives are much better, milk is something that should be eliminated from a person’s diet.
Barone noted that humans consume milk at a young age. However, once they pass their infancy, they should stop.
“Humans are the only animal that drink the milk of other animals. No other animals drink milk after three months. Calves don’t drink milk after the age of three months. Animals don’t drink the milk of other animals. It does not exist in nature,” Barone told Covers. “Only human beings continue to drink milk up to 30, 40, 50, 60 years and in my view, it is wrong.”
He continued:
“We breastfeed from our mothers, like dogs, wolves, cows, donkeys. It is normal. After infancy, it is not normal,” Barone said. “I drink coffee with no milk or sugar. Very bitter! But you can add almond milk, oat milk or rice milk.”
Ronaldo’s Former Chef Stresses Importance of Nutrition
Ronaldo’s former chef also highlighted the importance of nutrition to a professional soccer player’s career. He argued that it is more important than training.
Players have become more prone to injuries in recent years. Much of that is due to the expanded schedules, including international breaks and additional continental and domestic cup matches.
Barone compared the human body to cars and said soccer players should treat their bodies the same way.
“I always say the importance is 60% diet and 40% training. The human body is like a car. You can have the best car in the world but if you put the wrong fuel in the engine, it is going to struggle,” Barone told Covers. “Many injuries and issues are due to the wrong diet. The more I work with footballers, I believe that food is very important for young footballers.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Former Chef Reveals The Diet Behind His Longevity