At 40 years old and still performing at an elite level, LeBron James continues to defy the limits of aging in professional basketball. While his dedication to training and recovery is well-documented, his unique diet has recently come into the spotlight.
In a conversation on the Mind the Game podcast, James revealed his unconventional approach to nutrition—one that includes delayed eating, natural supplements, and a strict avoidance of creatine.
Unlike most athletes who fuel up before intense workouts, James follows a fasted approach on practice days. His first full meal doesn’t come until 1:30 or 2 PM, after he’s completed his training session. Before that, he sticks to hydration, green juice, or fruit, ensuring his body absorbs nutrients efficiently after burning calories.
This method aligns with intermittent fasting principles, which some experts believe can enhance metabolism, improve recovery, and optimize energy levels. For James, it’s clearly working—his ability to maintain peak performance deep into his career is proof.
James also made it clear that he avoids unnatural supplements, including creatine, a popular choice among athletes for muscle recovery and strength. Instead, he relies on natural vitamins and whole foods to fuel his body. His post-practice recovery includes fruit smoothies or overnight oats, ensuring he replenishes lost nutrients without artificial additives.
Despite his unconventional diet, James remains one of the most durable athletes in NBA history. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, proving that his approach to nutrition and recovery continues to pay off. His longevity is unmatched—only Vince Carter had previously played a 22nd NBA season, but his production was nowhere near James’ level.
