They say you are what you eat, highlighting just how crucial it is to fuel your body with the right foods. Good nutrition isn’t just about energy; it’s about providing the essential nutrients that keep everything running smoothly. Think of it like the fuel that powers your body’s engine. While a balanced diet is essential for everyone, it’s especially critical for athletes who put their bodies through intense physical demands. That’s why every athlete has their own tailored diet. When it comes to diet talk, one name that always pops up is Canelo Alvarez. He’s a prime example of how seriously athletes take their nutrition.
Just like Cristiano Ronaldo, Alvarez knows that his diet plays a massive role in keeping him at the top of his game. His approach to nutrition is all about more than just staying fit; it’s about staying unbeatable. Interestingly, Canelo boldly decided to cut out red meat entirely from his diet. But the question is, why did he make this choice? Let’s find out.
To put it out simply, Canelo is now on a vegan diet, joining the ranks of top athletes like Virat Kohli and Kyrie Irving. The shift toward veganism has become more popular among big names in recent years. Some athletes choose it for the clean and healthy benefits, while others adopt it to make a statement against animal products, including dairy and other animal-derived foods.
Also Read: How Many Undefeated Fighters Has Canelo Alvarez Defeated In His Boxing Career?
The Reason Behind Why Canelo Stopped Eating Meat
As per reports regarding the real reasons behind his diet change, ahead of his match against WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, Canelo Alvarez announced that he had mostly switched to a vegan diet. Why? In 2018, he made the decision to eliminate red meat after testing positive for clenbuterol, a banned substance sometimes illegally used in cattle in Mexico.
Notably, Alvarez argued that the substance entered his system from contaminated meat sourced from his homeland. However, the Nevada Athletic Commission still imposed a six-month suspension on him, which pushed back his second fight with Golovkin—a fight that Alvarez ultimately won by split decision.
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However, in 2022, just before his trilogy fight with Gennadiy Golovkin, Canelo Alvarez’s diet became a significant topic of discussion. As mentioned above, he initially adopted a vegan diet to prepare for the fight, aiming for a clean and health-focused approach. However, after experiencing a loss, Alvarez decided to return to eating red meat, a change he felt would benefit his performance.
This change in his diet got a lot of attention from fans and experts, showing how important Alvarez’s eating habits are for his training and recovery.
Also Read: Did Canelo Alvarez Take Steroids?
Is Canelo A Vegan?
Speaking to ESPN, Alvarez said he keeps it simple regarding food. He mentioned that he’s been eating vegan most of the week, but if he gets the chance to have red meat or chicken, he’s totally down for it. Right now, he’s focused on sticking to veganism, but it is all about adapting. So, currently, it is safe to say that although Canelo doesn’t eat beef extensively and sticks to a vegan diet, he doesn’t sometimes eat it for nutritional purposes.
To add more what diet he follows, in a 2016 chat with GQ, Canelo shared that he snacks on low-calorie fruits and fiber-packed veggies, like cucumber and jicama, to stay fit between meals.
When it comes to diet, there’s no universal solution that fits everyone. Some individuals choose a vegan lifestyle, while others opt for a carnivore diet. The best approach really depends on personal preferences and what each person finds effective for their own health and fitness goals.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the diet that delivers the best results for each individual’s unique needs and lifestyle. For Canelo Alvarez, a combination of a vegan diet with occasional red meat meals has proven to be effective. He’s found that this mix works well for him and has adhered to it consistently in the later part of his career.
