What keeps Kohli in such exceptional shape?

Let's have a closer look at the specific dietary practices that keep the former captain of India and RCB in exceptional shape at the age of 34.

Virat Kohli, celebrated as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, both in India and globally, is frequently lauded for his impressive performances on the field. However, what truly captures public fascination is his commitment to fitness and his disciplined approach to diet. Renowned as one of the fittest athletes worldwide, Kohli consistently garners attention for his physical conditioning and athletic prowess, whether during games or in daily life. He has openly discussed the importance of his rigorous workout routine, emphasising the significance of maintaining a strict diet.

Kohli’s dietary choices have sparked considerable interest not only among cricket fans but also among fitness enthusiasts everywhere. His commitment to health and nutrition has set a remarkable example in the sport, motivating teammates and fans worldwide to prioritise their own fitness journeys.

In a 2023 interview with Star Sports, the former captain of India and Royal Challengers Bangalore shared insights into his fitness journey. Kohli highlighted the challenges of achieving the right balance between nutrition and physical fitness.

"When you're navigating your fitness journey, you end up exploring all kinds of elements - vitamins, hydration, protein, and so forth - until you discover what truly suits you. Finding the right balance is indeed challenging. The primary obstacle I've encountered in my fitness routine is related to food. You can push yourself hard in the gym, but nutrition is a different ball game altogether. It's tied to your cravings and mental associations with food," Kohli explained during the interview.

He mentioned his commitment to adhering to a strict diet, expressing that he could comfortably eat the same meals three times a day for six months without any issues.

Kohli noted that 90% of his diet consists of steamed and boiled foods, with little to no spices involved. While he occasionally adds a dash of salt, pepper, or lime, he doesn't focus much on the flavour of his meals. He also shared that traditional Indian masala curries are entirely absent from his diet.

"90% of my meals are steamed or boiled, no masalas. Just salt, pepper, and lime. I’m not overly concerned about taste; it doesn’t bother me. I do enjoy salads with some dressing and pan-grilled food with a touch of olive oil. I avoid curries, although I do include dal (lentils) and can’t skip rajma and lobhiya since I'm Punjabi," Kohli revealed.

Back in 2018, Kohli spoke about health issues he faced, such as acidity, high uric acid levels, and calcium depletion. To combat these problems, he chose to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, eliminating meat from his diet.

Reports indicate that for breakfast, Kohli enjoys nut butter on gluten-free bread and drinks 3-4 cups of green tea with lemon daily. His lunch typically includes vegetable soup, broth, grilled vegetables, beetroot, and spinach. Similarly, his dinner mirrors his lunch, featuring a substantial portion of grilled vegetables alongside soup.