Michael Jordan's Love Affair with Steak
Despite a carefully managed diet during his championship years with trainer Tim Grover, Michael Jordan consistently favored steak. This preference is so strong that his restaurant chain, Michael Jordan's Steak House, features a specific cut that is reportedly his favorite.
The Delmonico: MJ's Steak of Choice
Jordan's reported personal favorite at his restaurants is the Delmonico steak. This boneless ribeye is dry-aged for 45 days and served with a distinctive ginger-balsamic vinegar jus, reflecting a taste that developed over his career.
The Pre-Grover Diet: McDonald's and Simpler Tastes
Before trainer Tim Grover implemented a strict regimen, Jordan's diet was less structured and notably included a fondness for fast food. This earlier phase highlights the sheer athleticism that allowed him to excel even without optimal nutrition.
The "McJordan" Meal
Michael Jordan's appreciation for McDonald's was such that in the early 1990s, the chain created the "McJordan" meal in his honor, featuring a Quarter Pounder with bacon and barbecue sauce. This exemplifies a more casual aspect of his eating habits before his focus shifted entirely to performance.
The Infamous 'Flu Game' Pizza
A notable event in the history of Michael Jordan's diet is the 'Flu Game' pizza incident. On the eve of a critical 1997 NBA Finals game, a late-night pizza delivery led to Jordan becoming severely ill. His trainer, Tim Grover, suspected foul play and claimed in a documentary that the illness was food poisoning, not the flu. This episode is a famous example of his resilience in overcoming adversity.
Competing Theories on the 'Flu Game' Illness
| Theory | Proponents | Evidence | Counterarguments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Poisoning | Tim Grover, The Last Dance documentary | Grover claimed the delivery seemed suspicious and that only Jordan ate the pizza. | The delivery driver and NBA insiders have called the story into question. |
| Altitude Sickness | Sam Smith (Journalist), some fans | The Bulls were staying in Park City, Utah, at high altitude. The symptoms align with altitude sickness. | Jordan confirmed the food poisoning story in The Last Dance. |
| Flu/Virus | Original reporting at the time | Initial reports suggested Jordan was simply fighting a flu bug. | Later interviews and documentaries dispute the "flu" theory. |
| Exhaustion/Cigar Smoking | Some analysts, including pizza delivery driver | Late-night meals, stress, and smoking cigars could have made him sick, especially at high altitude. | Specific symptoms like vomiting could point to food poisoning. |
What Michael Jordan Eats in a Day: A Sample Diet
During his prime, Michael Jordan's daily diet was structured to maintain consistent energy levels for peak performance through multiple meals.
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries and raisins, scrambled egg whites, and orange juice.
- Mid-Morning Snack: A protein shake.
- Lunch: Lean protein (chicken or hamburger), a carbohydrate (pasta or baked potato), and a side salad.
- Pre-Game Meal (Game Day): A large steak.
- Post-Game Snack (Game Day): A lighter snack.
- Dinner (Off-Day): According to his trainer, he was allowed to eat “whatever he wants”.
The Evolution of Michael Jordan's Diet
Michael Jordan's dietary choices changed significantly throughout his career, reflecting advancements in sports nutrition. He transitioned from someone who ate fast food to a highly disciplined athlete, eventually becoming a steakhouse owner. This evolution shows both his personal changes and the broader shifts in elite athletic diets.
Conclusion: The Answer is Steak, with a Side of Flexibility
Michael Jordan's favorite food is definitively steak, particularly the Delmonico cut. However, this is only part of his food story. His journey includes early fast-food habits, the memorable 'Flu Game' pizza incident, and a later disciplined diet focused on performance. This illustrates that even the greatest athletes balance the need for strict nutrition with the enjoyment of preferred meals.
More MJ Facts
- Fast Food Affinity: Before working with his trainer, Jordan reportedly ate McDonald's for breakfast daily.
- Flu Game Revelation: His trainer claims the 1997 'Flu Game' was caused by food poisoning from a pizza, not the flu.
- Steakhouse Empire: His passion for steak led him to establish Michael Jordan's Steak House restaurants.
- Performance Nutrition: His peak diet involved multiple meals daily to stabilize blood sugar and fuel performance.
- Guilty Pleasure: On off-days, his trainer permitted him to eat “whatever he wants”.
References
Michael Jordan always ate the same food as his pre-workout ... $110 "Eat Like Mike" menu at Michael Jordan's Steakhouse Michael Jordan's Favorite Delmonico Steak With Ginger Jus The truth behind Michael Jordan's infamous NBA Finals 'Flu ... The difference between Michael Jordan's and LeBron James' diet ... Was Michael Jordan's diet the GOAT of pro athlete food plans?
