Published: 22:04 BST, 29 May 2025 | Updated: 22:04 BST, 29 May 2025
A dietitian has hit out at Lakers star [LeBron James](/sport/lebron_james/index.html) for his strict food schedule, most notably advising people to stay away from the way he fasts to start each day.
James revealed during his 'Mind the Game' podcast, which he hosts with fellow basketball legend Steve Nash, how he typically spends a day, with a workout coming before his first full meal of the day.
That pushes into the late lunch hours for most Americans, who are not expected to perform on the hardwood late into the evening.
"' have either a green juice or some fruit or whatever the case may be, but I don't eat a full meal until I get back home after practice' James said. 'My first meal is usually around 1:30, 2 o'clock.'
The typical person may not have peak health following James' example.
'This type of nutrition routine is not ideal for most active individuals,' said Melissa Mitri, a registered dietitian, per the New York Post. 'A large body of research suggests that fueling both before and after exercise is beneficial for optimal performance, recovery, and muscle-building benefits.'
A dietitian has hit out at Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James for his strict food schedule
James fasts to start his day, not eating a full meal until the early afternoon after practice
'There is a small subset of people like LeBron that may perform well under fasting conditions, such as those who have a large amount of glycogen stores to pull from for energy.'
James also noted that he drinks two 64-ounce bottles of water a day, keeping him well hydrated.
'While hydration can support exercise performance, it is only going to get you so far in terms of endurance. Proper fuel is also essential to nourish hard-working muscles,' Mitri added.
James has been one of the best athletes in the world for more than two decades and has a strict routine to stay in peak physical condition, with plenty of trials and errors getting him to that spot.
'While following this routine has clearly worked for LeBron James, allowing him to perform at elite levels despite his age, I would not recommend his eating schedule for most people engaging in strenuous physical activity, such as competitive sports, running, biking, and heavier strength training,' Mitri continued.