The Champion's Favorite Fast Food Fix
For many, the idea of an elite athlete eating fast food seems contradictory to their peak physical performance. However, as Simone Biles herself has shown, it is possible to maintain excellence while still enjoying a few of life's simple pleasures. A native Texan, Biles has a well-documented love for the fast-food chain Whataburger. In a 2024 interview, she confirmed that her go-to order is a classic cheeseburger and fries.
Beyond Whataburger, Biles also has a sweet tooth and an appreciation for other classic comfort foods. Her list of preferred indulgences is quite relatable:
- Pizza: Especially pepperoni, is a common celebratory meal for Biles after a competition.
- Fries: Often paired with her Whataburger, she once even joked that she would prefer a bouquet of fries over flowers.
- S'mores Cookies: A homemade version of these is one of her favorite desserts to bake.
- Cinnamon Rolls and Waffles: These are her go-to weekend breakfast treats when she has more time to cook.
A Balanced and Intuitive Approach
What makes Simone Biles' diet successful is not a strict regimen, but rather her philosophy of intuitive eating. She listens to her body's needs and avoids tracking calories, recognizing that it can lead to unhealthy eating habits. This mindful approach allows her to fuel her body for high-intensity training while also satisfying cravings in a non-restrictive way.
Her regular diet is rich in the nutrients needed to support her demanding schedule. Her day-to-day intake includes a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, also supports her with cooking healthy meals.
Comparing Her Training vs. Fast Food Meals
| Meal Type | Example Food Items | Primary Macronutrients | Typical Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training Meal | Lemon pepper salmon, rice, steamed vegetables (broccoli, asparagus) | High Protein, Complex Carbohydrates, Fiber | Daily fuel for 6-7 hour training sessions |
| Fast Food Indulgence | Whataburger cheeseburger, fries | High Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat | Occasional treat, often for celebrations or satisfying cravings |
Fueling a Gold Medal Performance
Biles' intuitive eating strategy is a powerful lesson that elite performance doesn't have to come at the expense of a balanced relationship with food. Elite gymnasts require a high caloric intake to sustain their energy levels during intense, multi-hour training sessions. By incorporating both wholesome, nutritious food and occasional indulgences, Biles ensures her body and mind are well-fueled and happy.
Her daily diet is built around staples that provide sustained energy and aid in recovery:
- Lean Protein: Salmon, chicken, and sometimes eggs are mainstays.
- Complex Carbs: Rice, potatoes, and pasta provide energy for workouts.
- Vegetables: She is a self-proclaimed lover of veggies, with favorites including potatoes, broccoli, and green beans.
- Protein Shakes: Consumed post-workout to help with muscle recovery.
This approach aligns with modern nutrition advice that emphasizes a holistic view of health, including mental well-being. For Biles, this means allowing herself to enjoy treats like pizza or a cheeseburger, rather than viewing them as forbidden foods. As she told Women's Health, she eats "what I feel good with" and avoids overeating. This mindful flexibility is a key part of her longevity and success in a sport that demands so much from its athletes.
Her philosophy on diet and mental health provides valuable insights into what it takes to achieve and maintain excellence in sports. Read more about the general approach of athletes like Biles on the official Olympics.com website: Nutrition and artistic gymnastics – a matter of balance.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Simone Biles does eat fast food, but within a much larger, and smarter, nutritional framework. Her ability to enjoy treats like a Whataburger cheeseburger while prioritizing a balanced, nutritious diet is a testament to her intuitive eating habits. This approach not only fuels her body for gold medal performances but also fosters a healthy relationship with food, proving that even the greatest athletes need a little comfort food sometimes.
