As the 59th Super Bowl is set to kick off on Sunday evening, Travis Kelce, arguably the most recognisable face in the NFL at the moment, is focused on securing a second consecutive victory with the Kansas City Chiefs. Like his teammates, Travis has been following a strict training regimen ahead of the crucial game, and maintaining a healthy diet is an essential part of his success strategy.
Scott Krones, General Manager of Props.com remarked: “One of the biggest stars in the NFL is Travis Kelce, not just for his success on the field but also for his headline breaking relationship with Taylor Swift. With the Kansas City Chiefs now reaching the Super Bowl once again and if they happen to go on to win, many will be invested in how the tight end maintains his fitness and diet with these insights offering a glimpse into what really makes a winning diet.”
So, what do Super Bowl champions eat?
According to Donna, Travis’s mother, he and his siblings have always had hearty appetites, and their fridge was often stocked with food, particularly meat. In February 2023, she mentioned that they would consume “whole chickens, they would eat lots of pork, ribs.”
A high-protein meal like steak is key for fuelling NFL players such as Travis Kelce, ensuring their cardio and strength are optimal during games. Protein from meat plays a vital role in muscle building throughout the year, making it essential for athletes to maintain a diet rich in strong protein sources regardless of the season, reports the Mirror.
In a 2020 chat with Men’s Journal, Kelce shared that French toast helps get his “blood sugar going”. “On game day, you want to carb up, so I have the energy I need for the game. If I can, I’ll have a breakfast-type meal, since most of our games are in the afternoon,” he explained.
While French toast might not seem like a typical pre-game meal, it’s surprisingly nutritious, packed with Vitamins B6 and B12, along with ample iron, calcium, and magnesium. The carbs in the bread help protect muscles from breaking down, aiding proteins in focusing on muscle building and maintenance, which is crucial for staying sharp on the field.
But it’s not just French toast that has caught Kelce’s eye; he also mentioned in a press conference last year how significant his girlfriend Taylor Swift’s pastries are to him.
Kelce shared with fans that she whipped up delicious pop tarts and cinnamon rolls last June. However, these sweet treats still can’t compete with his mum Donna Kelce’s annual batch of cookies. According to People, magazine, Travis has never played a Super Bowl without them!
Despite his sweet tooth, Travis is not a fan of vegetables, according to his personal chef, Kumar Ferguson. The one exception is spinach, a staple in his diet due to its anti-inflammatory properties which aid muscle recovery.
This leafy green is also packed with antioxidants and nutrients, making it an essential part of a balanced diet. Spinach’s high potassium levels help lower blood pressure and maintain energy levels, while supporting healthy bones.
Ferguson also revealed that he prepares oatmeal with fresh fruit for Kelce every morning as part of his ‘three meals a day’ regime. Oats and porridge have seen a resurgence in popularity recently, thanks to their health benefits being highlighted on platforms like TikTok.
Oats, packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals, help to regulate blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy release. This enables Kelce to keep his stamina up throughout a match day, avoiding the typical energy spike and subsequent crash.
As a result, Kelce can optimise his training, knowing his limits without fear of an unexpected energy slump. Another favourite on the footballer’s menu is seafood alfredo.
Despite its dairy content, this dish is an excellent way to incorporate healthy amounts of fish and seafood into one’s diet. Fish and shellfish are rich in vitamins, Omega 3’s, nutrients and contribute to brain development, heart health and immune system maintenance.
The fatty acids found in fish are ideal for any athlete, offering a generous dose of zinc, iron, potassium and magnesium.