Virat Kohli Diet


image-llowbwkmVirat Kohli's impeccable diet is one of the reason behind his ripped physique (Twitter)

When it comes to the epitome of fitness and dedication in the cricketing world, Indian batter, Virat Kohli emerges as a distinguished figure. Beyond his phenomenal cricketing skills, he's been the torchbearer of health and discipline.

Kohli’s commitment to fitness and nutrition has become a paradigm shift in the world of cricket, urging his fellow teammates and fans worldwide to start a health-centric journey.

Mastering the Art of Nutrition: Virat Kohli's Diet Plan

Behind every boundary he hits and every run he sprints for lies a secret recipe: a carefully curated diet plan tailored to his athletic demands. Infused with the principles of a low-carb, high-protein composition, Kohli’s diet is structured to maintain his body fat percentage while ensuring he is energised and agile on the field.

Crafting Victory Bite by Bite: The Virat Kohli Diet Chart

Virat Kohli's dietary habits have long piqued public interest. Queries such as “What is the diet plan of Virat Kohli?", “Is Virat Kohli vegan?”, “How did Virat Kohli lose weight?”, “Does Virat Kohli eat eggs?”, and “Does Virat Kohli eat sugar?” frequently trend online. At OneCricket, we've explored each and every facet of the Virat Kohli diet.



Virat Kohli Breakfast

Morning at the Kohli residence sees a nutrient-rich breakfast of boiled eggs complemented by a bread omelette. Adding freshness to his mornings, a spinach, black pepper, and paneer salad is a must-have.

image-llowtqgoVirat Kohli having breakfast (Instagram)

Virat Kohli Lunch

Virat Kohli’s lunch plated is filled with a mix of nuts, brown bread, mashed potatoes, spinach and veggies, while a protein shake waits on the side, ensuring his energy levels remain optimal.

image-llowy1umVirat Kohli (Instagram)

Virat Kohli Dinner

Dinner is proof of his preference for simplicity and wholesomeness, with a spread of roti, dal, and assorted green leafy vegetables. While his wife, Anushka Sharma, is vegetarian, they prefer a balanced dinner.

Virat Kohli Snacks

Virat's snacking is just as meticulous. Whether it's the succulence of fresh fruits like watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit or the nutritious blend of dry fruits, protein shakes and soya, he ensures his body receives consistent fuel. 

image-llowwxa2Virat Kohli (Instagram)

Balanced Nutrition

Kohli's meals are crafted to strike the right balance. Pan-grilled food kissed with a hint of olive oil, steamed delights, and boiled essentials form the backbone of the Virat Kohli diet. The absence of fried and spicy dishes ensures he stays light and agile, ready for any cricketing challenge.

Dishes like dal, rajma, and lobia feature prominently, offering the right mix of protein and carbs to sustain his intensive routines. His occasional indulgences veer towards the healthier side with nut butter and gluten-free bread being his choice of treat. Moreover, his sugar intake is bare minimum whereas he eats eggs.

image-llox044qVirat Kohli enjoying desserts (Instagram)

Hydration

Kohli’s commitment to hydration is evident in his choice of beverages. He’s particular not just particular about his food but also his hydration. Fans have often wondered, “Which water does Virat Kohli drink? The cricketer’s choice of hydration is black water - Evian Natural Spring water.

This alkaline water boasts a high pH level, promoting health and immunity. With a price tag of approximately Rs. 4,200 per litre in India, it's a luxury compared to standard purified water. This premium water originates from Evian Les Bains in France, located by one of Europe's largest lakes, straddling the French-Swiss border.



Furthermore, Green tea, enriched with its antioxidants, is a favourite, with Kohli consuming up to 3-4 cups daily, often with a zesty hint of lemon. This liking for green tea has also influenced his teammates. To enhance his hydration, he frequently consumes vegetable soups and broths, drawing nutrients from veggies such as beetroot and spinach.


Beyond Boundaries: Embracing the Vegetarian Lifestyle

Why Virat Kohli turned vegetarian?

While touring South Africa in 2018, Kohli faced a challenging phase with health issues related to his cervical spine which led to debilitating nerve compression. This condition not only triggered excruciating pain but also disrupted his sleep.

Upon consulting an expert in acupuncture treatments, it was revealed that his high meat consumption led to an increase in stomach acidity. This acidity, in turn, prompted the extraction of calcium from his bones to restore alkaline balance.

This revelation was the tipping point. Advised to alter his diet, Kohli took a leap of faith, choosing a vegetarian lifestyle. He didn't merely adapt to this change; he embraced it wholeheartedly. Reflecting on this life-altering choice, he avows it as the best decision, one that not only positively impacted his health but also enhanced his performance on the field.



Plant-Powered Nutrition

Post his transition, Kohli's diet saw an overhaul, pivoting from animal-based proteins to those derived from plants. Emphasizing the importance of sustainability and being ecologically conscious, he has championed plant-based meat products.

His endorsement and investment in the plant-based meat brand, Blue Tribe, shows his commitment to this cause. Kohli ardently believes that a reduced dependency on meat, without compromising on flavour or preference can yield massive benefits for the planet.



Kohli's daily nutrition now draws strength from nature's bounty. Lentils, legumes, tofu, and quinoa have become staple sources of protein in his diet. These not only cater to his intense physical demands but also align with his philosophy of mindful eating, taking into account the environmental footprint of food.


Sculpting Greatness: Virat Kohli's Physique Diet

Customised Diet for Physique

It's not just his talent on the cricket field that's talked about, but also the dedication and discipline with which Virat Kohli maintains his magnificent physique.

Recognising that a generic diet won't help him achieve the pinnacle of physical fitness, Kohli has carefully designed a dietary regime that complements his fitness goals. This custom-tailored diet targets muscle hypertrophy and fat oxidation, ensuring that he remains agile on the field while flaunting a chiselled physique off it. 

The balance he strikes is commendable, ensuring that while he gets the necessary nutrients to fuel his workouts and recover post them, he also keeps any unwanted adipose accumulation at bay. His dietary choices are not just about calorie counting but about consuming the right kind of calories.



High-Protein Regimen

One of the pillars of Kohli's nutrition strategy is the incorporation of high-quality protein sources. Given that proteins are the building blocks for muscle repair and growth, his diet leans heavily on plant-based proteins post his shift to vegetarianism.

image-llox9ztpVirat Kohli eating protein pancake (JioCinema)

Lentils, legumes, tofu, and quinoa dominate his plate. They not only provide the essential amino acids required for muscle synthesis but also ensure sustained energy for his rigorous training sessions. The focus is on facilitating faster muscle recovery post workouts and building lean muscle mass, optimizing strength without unnecessary bulk.

Daily Rituals of Success: Virat Kohli's Routine

Virat Kohli's Daily Routine

Champion cricketers aren't made in a day. Behind Kohli's explosive shots and lightning-fast sprints is a daily routine that many might find daunting. Starting his day early, Kohli dedicates his mornings to meditation and reflection.

Post this, it's time for his workout sessions. Depending on his training cycle, this could range from cardio exercises to weight training, ensuring a comprehensive development of endurance, strength, and flexibility.



By mid-morning, it's usually time for his first protein-rich meal, helping in muscle repair and growth. The latter part of the morning and early afternoon is often dedicated to cricket practice. Depending on match schedules, this can vary in intensity and focus.

His lunch, timed around these sessions, ensures he gets the right balance of macros to fuel his afternoon. Evenings often see another round of lighter workouts or stretching routines, followed by dinner that's lighter and packed with slow-releasing energy sources.

Intermittent breaks are peppered with hydration rituals, where green tea, vegetable broths, and natural juices keep him hydrated.

Optimal Meal Timing

Kohli's understanding of nutrition goes beyond just what to eat. The 'when' is just as crucial. Timing his meals around his workouts ensures that he's neither sluggish during intense sessions due to heavy meals nor energy-deprived due to long gaps. 

A protein-rich post-workout meal aids in immediate muscle recovery, while carbs before workouts provide the necessary energy.

For matches that can span an entire day, it's essential to keep the energy consistent. Snacking smartly on nuts, protein shakes, or fruits helps maintain his glucose levels which ensures his concentration and physicality don't dip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What does Virat Kohli's diet consist of?

Answer: Kohli's dietary regime is a fusion of discipline, quality nutrition, and customization tailored to his athletic demands. For breakfast, he typically enjoys boiled eggs, a bread omelette, and a salad made with spinach, black pepper, and paneer. 

Lunch consists of a mix of nuts, brown bread, mashed potatoes, and a protein shake. Come dinner time, Kohli opts for a straightforward, nutritious meal of roti, dal, and green leafy vegetables. Interspersed throughout the day are snacks like dry fruits, fresh fruits - watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit being some of his favourites.

Q2: How does Virat Kohli maintain his vegetarian diet while ensuring adequate nutrition?

Answer: Kohli's transition to a quasi-vegetarian diet was well-thought-out, ensuring no compromises on essential nutrients. He banks on plant-based protein sources like lentils, legumes, tofu, and quinoa. 

Furthermore, he incorporates a plethora of vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Supplements, especially those with B12, iron, and omega fatty acids, are also a part of his regime.

Q3: What is the estimated daily cost of Virat Kohli's diet?

Answer: It's challenging to pinpoint the Virat Kohli diet cost without knowing specific brands and portions. However, considering the quality, freshness, and often organic nature of the foods he consumes, his diet can be on the pricier side. Furthermore, supplements and specific plant-based products like protein powders further escalate the cost. 

Estimations might put it at several times the cost of an average middle-class Indian's daily diet. However, it's essential to understand that being an elite athlete with specific dietary requirements and having access to the best nutritionists can influence his choices and thus the cost.

Q4: How does Virat Kohli's diet influence his performance on the field?

Answer: Diet plays a crucial role in an athlete's performance, and Kohli is no exception. His meals are timed and composed to offer sustained energy, quick recovery, and optimal muscle function. By prioritizing lean proteins, he ensures rapid muscle recovery and growth. Carbohydrates provide the energy required during long hours on the field. 

His emphasis on hydration with green teas, broths, and natural juices ensures that he remains agile and avoids cramps or fatigue. The balance of macronutrients and micronutrients ensures that both his physical and cognitive functions - be it running between the wickets or making split-second decisions - remain sharp.

Q5: Can Virat Kohli's diet plan be adopted by others for fitness goals?

Answer: Absolutely. While his specific meal choices might be tailored to his personal tastes and athletic demands, the principles of his diet can be universally applied. Prioritizing whole, fresh foods, leaning towards plant-based protein sources, ensuring adequate hydration, and understanding the importance of meal timing can benefit anyone, regardless of their fitness level.