Novak Djokovic follows a highly disciplined, mostly plant-based, gluten-free diet that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods while limiting sugar and processed items to maintain stable energy and reduce inflammation.
Key Components of Djokovic’s Diet
- Morning Routine : He starts his day with a glass of warm water with lemon for detoxification, followed by celery juice and a green smoothie rich in algae and fruits. He also consumes manuka honey daily for natural fructose and antibacterial benefits
- Breakfast : Typically a "power bowl" containing gluten-free muesli or oatmeal, mixed nuts, seeds (such as pumpkin and sunflower), fruits (cranberries, raisins, berries), and sometimes coconut oil, combined with almond, rice milk, or coconut water
- Lunch : Gluten-free pasta (often made from rice, quinoa, or buckwheat) with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes, dressed with olive oil and salt. Mixed green salads are also common
- Dinner : Focuses on protein and recovery with foods such as salmon fillets (skin on), sardines, chicken breast (occasionally), kale Caesar salad (with quinoa, pine nuts, fennel), and vegetable soups like carrot-ginger or minestrone. This meal is heavier in protein to aid muscle recovery
- Snacks : Avocado on gluten-free toast, apples with cashew butter, melon, dried fruits, nuts, protein bars, and shakes made from organic rice or pea protein concentrate. He avoids heavy foods early in the day to keep digestion light and energy high
- Hydration and Supplements : During workouts, Djokovic drinks energy and hydration drinks with fructose extract and electrolytes. He also takes superfood supplements for mental clarity and overall wellness
Dietary Restrictions and Philosophy
- Djokovic avoids gluten, dairy, red meat, refined sugar, and processed foods to prevent inflammation and energy crashes.
- His diet is mostly plant-based, with occasional white meat and fish.
- He prioritizes foods that are easy to digest, especially earlier in the day, to maintain optimal energy for training and matches
This carefully structured diet has been credited with improving his health, respiratory issues, and on-court performance, contributing significantly to his tennis success
