Bacalhau à Brás: The Legendary Favourite Dinner
While Cristiano Ronaldo follows a strict, high-protein dietary regimen, his favourite dinner is a classic Portuguese comfort food called Bacalhau à Brás. This dish consists of shredded salted cod, onions, thinly sliced fried potatoes, and scrambled eggs. It is often garnished with olives and fresh parsley. This choice highlights Ronaldo's connection to his roots and the importance of balanced, whole-food nutrition.
Ronaldo's Overall Dietary Philosophy
Beyond a single favourite meal, Ronaldo's success is underpinned by a comprehensive nutritional philosophy that treats food as fuel. He eats six smaller, nutrient-dense meals a day, roughly every three to four hours. This strategy helps maintain consistent energy levels and keeps his metabolism firing.
A Typical Day of Eating for Ronaldo
A typical day's menu often includes ham, cheese, and low-fat yogurt or an egg white omelet for breakfast. Mid-morning might be avocado toast. Lunch could be grilled chicken with brown rice and vegetables, followed by another fish dish like tuna with salad. Dinner may feature grilled fish such as swordfish or sea bass with quinoa and vegetables, and a later meal might be steak or fish with vegetables or a protein shake.
Key Ingredients and Food Choices
Ronaldo focuses on high-quality protein from fresh fish and lean chicken, complex carbohydrates like quinoa and brown rice, fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamins and fiber, and healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
What Ronaldo Avoids
Ronaldo avoids sugary drinks, alcohol, processed and fried foods, and refined sugars to maintain his physical condition.
Diet of an Athlete vs. Average Person
| Feature | Cristiano Ronaldo's Diet | Average Person's Diet (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal Frequency | Six smaller meals throughout the day | Typically three larger meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) |
| Protein Source | High-quality, lean protein (fish, chicken) | Often includes processed meats or less lean options |
| Carbohydrate Type | Complex carbohydrates (quinoa, brown rice) | Frequently includes refined carbs (white bread, pasta) |
| Sugar Intake | Almost no refined sugar | High consumption of sugary drinks, snacks, and desserts |
| Meal Planning | Structured and managed by a nutritionist | Often spontaneous with little formal planning |
| Hydration | High intake of water and natural juice | Can include high-sugar sodas and alcohol |
| Food Philosophy | Food as fuel for performance | Food for convenience, pleasure, or necessity |
Conclusion
While Bacalhau à Brás is his favourite dinner, Cristiano Ronaldo's success stems from a comprehensive nutritional strategy. His diet focuses on lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fresh produce, consumed in six smaller meals daily to support training and recovery. Avoiding sugars, processed foods, and alcohol helps him maintain peak condition and perform at a high level for years.
Visit Ronaldo's official Instagram page to see glimpses of his personal life and family.
