By Charlotte Smith
Wimbledon tennis star Novak Djokovic has shared his daily diet, which is being praised as ‘insanely healthy’. Chatting with American journalist Graham Bensinger, Djokovic revealed his morning drink ritual and the wholesome foods he favours.
The Wimbledon champion sailed past Alexandre Muller in this week’s match, clinching the win in four sets. Djokovic dominated by taking 10 of the last 12 games, finishing with scores of 6-1, 6-7 (7-9), 6-2, 6-2.
You can catch a snippet of the interview on YouTube. Bensinger asks: “What do you eat on an average day?” The Serbian tennis legend replies: “I start with warm water and lemon, so I can help my body detoxify.”
Starting the day with warm lemon water is often touted for its health perks. It’s said to assist with hydration and digestion and might even offer a boost of vitamin C, among other positives.
Incorporating any fluid into your morning routine, like warm lemon water, helps rehydrate the body after sleep. Lemon’s citric acid can kick-start bile and digestive juice production, which may improve digestion and encourage regular bowel movements, reports Surrey Live.
Lemons also provide vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and shields cells from damage. Next, the tennis ace shares his morning ritual of sipping “celery juice on an empty stomach.”
It’s a top health hack to knock back celery juice first thing in the morning, especially before eating anything else. The habit of drinking celery juice is said to boost nutrient uptake and set up the digestive system for the day. The idea is that it kick-starts the production of digestive enzymes and stomach acid, which can help break down food later on.
Those who swear by this routine claim that having celery juice on an empty stomach could aid in detoxing and support liver function. Plus, with its high water content, celery juice contributes to hydration and many feel it gives them an energy lift, even sans caffeine.
Djokovic then notes he takes a break from eating or drinking before eventually indulging in a smoothie, describing it as “a green smoothie with different algae.” Green smoothies packed with various algae, such as spirulina and chlorella, are praised for their nutritional value, brimming with a host of nutrients and antioxidants.
These algae are often hailed as “superfoods” and are a nifty way to bump up your vitamin, mineral, and protein intake. They’re loaded with these beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.
For instance, spirulina boasts a high protein-to-calorie ratio. Algae contain compounds that help shield your body from damage caused by free radicals. Certain algae, like chlorella, can act as probiotics and support a healthy gut.
Djokovic admits that he “eats a lot of fruits and salads” for the first part of the day. Sharing his rationale, he told viewers: “I don’t like to eat any food that would require much energy for digestion, especially in the first part of the da,y because that’s when I need the most energy for my training.”
To help “keep things quite light”, the Wimbledon champion includes “pseudo-grains like quinoa, millet and wild rice” in his diet. He also incorporates sweet potato and normal potato, whether that is “steamed or boiled”.
Pseudo-grains such as quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat are excellent sources of essential amino acids, making them a great protein option. They also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and fibre.
A significant advantage of pseudo-grains is that they are naturally gluten-free, making them an ideal choice for those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. Research suggests that consuming pseudo-grains might reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, due to their antioxidant properties.
The high fibre content in pseudo-grains can support digestion, help regulate healthy blood sugar levels, and contribute to weight management. Pseudo-grains can be seamlessly added into a variety of meals, from salads and soups to breakfast porridge and baked treats.