What Does Luka Doncic Eat in a Day? A Breakdown of His Offseason Diet

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a July 2025 profile in Men's Health, NBA superstar Luka Doncic overhauled his diet, embracing intermittent fasting and a high-protein, gluten-free approach to reduce inflammation and transform his physique. For those wondering what does Luka Doncic eat in a day, his regimen revolves around a specific 8-hour feeding window and a focus on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at Luka Doncic's recent dietary changes, including his intermittent fasting schedule and intake of over 250 grams of protein daily. The plan, guided by his nutritionist, also strategically adjusts carb intake for training and emphasizes anti-inflammatory foods to aid recovery.

Key Points

High-Protein Focus: Doncic consumes a minimum of 250 grams of protein daily, primarily from lean meats like chicken, eggs, and whey protein shakes, to support muscle repair and growth.
Intermittent Fasting: He adheres to a 16:8 intermittent fasting schedule during the offseason, eating between noon and 8:30 p.m. to help reduce inflammation.
Strategic Carbohydrate Use: Carbohydrates are not eliminated but are strategically timed based on his training intensity, with higher intake on heavy training or game days.
Gluten-Free and Low-Sugar: His diet avoids gluten and is low in sugar to help minimize inflammation and improve overall health.
Whole Foods and Hydration: Doncic prioritizes whole foods like vegetables, fruit, and nuts, and maintains consistent hydration for optimal performance and recovery.

Inside Luka Doncic's Revolutionary Offseason Diet

NBA star Luka Doncic's physical transformation during the 2025 offseason didn't happen by chance; it was the result of a meticulously planned and disciplined nutritional strategy. Under the guidance of his performance team, including nutritionist Lucía Almendros, Doncic adopted a new eating regimen focused on intermittent fasting, a high-protein intake, and a gluten-free approach. This was all done to combat inflammation, optimize recovery, and maximize performance as he prepared for a new phase of his career.

The Intermittent Fasting Schedule: A 16:8 Approach

A cornerstone of Doncic's offseason diet is his commitment to intermittent fasting, specifically a 16:8 schedule for six days a week. This means he fasts for 16 hours and eats all his meals within an 8-hour window. For Doncic, this window typically spans from noon to 8:30 p.m.. This eating pattern is strategically timed so that he can perform his rigorous 90-minute morning workout in a fasted state, which some research suggests can help improve fat metabolism and lower blood sugar levels. The ultimate goal, however, is to reduce the inflammation caused by intense, twice-daily training sessions. On Sundays, his designated rest day, he takes a break from the fasting routine.

The High-Protein, Gluten-Free Meal Plan

Doncic's feeding window is packed with a very high volume of protein to fuel muscle repair and growth. His daily target is a minimum of 250 grams of protein. This immense protein intake is primarily sourced from lean animal proteins, along with supplements. A typical day's menu might include:

Eggs: A staple for breakfast, providing high-quality protein to break the fast around noon.
Chicken: A regular lunch and dinner component, a lean source of protein for muscle synthesis.
Whey Protein Shakes: Supplementing his diet with a low-carb, no-sugar whey protein shake mixed with almond milk to reach his 250g minimum protein target.
Nuts: Handfuls of nuts serve as healthy, fat-rich snacks for energy and additional protein.

Additionally, Doncic's diet is strictly gluten-free and low in sugar. His nutritionist, Lucía Almendros, notes that this helps manage potential inflammation and digestive issues. Fruits, especially red ones known for their anti-inflammatory properties, are a preferred dessert option.

Strategic Carbohydrate Timing

While he focuses heavily on protein and healthy fats, carbohydrates are not completely eliminated. Instead, they are strategically timed and matched to his activity levels. For example, on days with higher training intensity or before a game, Doncic will incorporate starchy carbs like rice or potatoes. On less demanding days, his carb intake is reduced. This macro-matching ensures he has enough fuel for energy-demanding activities without consuming unnecessary calories that could lead to weight gain or inflammation.

Comparing Offseason vs. In-Season Diet


Aspect	Offseason Diet	In-Season Diet
Timing	Strict 16:8 intermittent fasting (noon-8:30 PM) for 6 days/week.	More flexible eating schedule to accommodate travel and game stress.
Protein Goal	Minimum 250+ grams daily.	Remains high, but precise tracking may be more challenging due to travel.
Carbohydrate Timing	Strategic macro-matching, adjusting intake based on training volume.	Continues strategic timing, focusing on energy for games.
Flexibility	Highly disciplined and structured.	Less rigid to manage logistics of games and travel.
Primary Focus	Reducing inflammation and body composition changes.	Sustaining energy and aiding recovery during intense competition.

The Mindset Behind the Transformation

Doncic's dietary changes were driven by a shift in mindset and a renewed commitment to his physical well-being. After a disappointing end to a previous season, he was more motivated than ever to get into peak shape. This approach is not a temporary fix but a permanent lifestyle change. This long-term commitment, combined with the support of his nutritional team, is what allowed him to achieve a dramatic 30+ pound weight loss and improved body composition.

Conclusion

Luka Doncic's recent dietary plan highlights the sophisticated level of nutritional science now employed by elite athletes. By incorporating practices like intermittent fasting, a high-protein intake, and strategic macro-timing, he has optimized his diet for performance, recovery, and a significant physical transformation. His dedication to a gluten-free and low-sugar regimen further minimizes inflammation, allowing him to perform at his highest level. This disciplined approach serves as a blueprint for how professional athletes, and those seeking to emulate their dedication, can use diet as a powerful tool to achieve peak physical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Luka Doncic consumes a minimum of 250 grams of protein per day, using a combination of whole food sources like chicken and eggs, along with low-carb whey protein shakes.

Yes, during the offseason, Luka Doncic follows a 16:8 intermittent fasting schedule for six days a week, fasting from 8:30 p.m. until noon the next day.

Yes, his diet is strictly gluten-free and low in sugar to help manage inflammation and improve overall digestion.

His main food sources include lean proteins like eggs and chicken, nuts for healthy fats, plenty of vegetables, and fruits for vitamins and as a natural dessert.

Carbohydrates are consumed strategically based on his activity levels. Intake is increased on high-intensity training or game days and reduced on less demanding days.

Luka Doncic's nutritional plan was designed by his performance team, which includes nutritionist Lucía Almendros.

Yes, his disciplined dietary changes, combined with a rigorous training schedule, were a key factor in his significant weight loss and physical transformation during the 2025 offseason.