Simone Biles's Signature Comfort Food: Pepperoni Pizza
After an intense gymnastics meet, it is a well-known tradition for Simone Biles to celebrate with a pepperoni pizza, a habit she has maintained for years. Her love for this classic comfort food is so strong that she once declared she would have pizza after every meet, regardless of her performance.
St. Louis-Style Pizza and Whataburger Cheeseburgers
As a true pizza enthusiast, Biles has specific preferences. She has publicly defended St. Louis-style pizza, particularly from the chain Imo's, which is known for its Provel cheese. This regional favorite holds a special place in her heart, especially since her husband, Jonathan Owens, is from St. Louis. Besides pizza, Biles's fast-food cravings often lead her to Whataburger, where her go-to order is a classic cheeseburger. Her love for food also extends to her absolute favorite snack: French fries, which she has humorously said she'd prefer over a bouquet of flowers.
Fueling an Olympian: The Daily Training Diet
While comfort food is a cherished part of her routine, Biles's daily diet is meticulously balanced to support her demanding training schedule. She follows an intuitive eating approach, prioritizing nutrient-dense meals but allowing for flexibility.
A Day in Simone's Diet
A typical training day for Biles includes meals rich in protein, healthy carbohydrates, and plenty of vegetables. Her approach is not about strict tracking but about feeling good and being properly fueled.
- Breakfast: Often, she has a quick bite of oatmeal or fruit before an early morning practice. On weekends, with more time, she enjoys making protein waffles with chocolate chips.
- Lunch: This meal frequently features lean protein and vegetables, such as chicken or lemon pepper salmon with broccoli and green beans.
- Dinner: Similar to lunch, dinner consists of a balanced combination of fish or chicken with rice and vegetables. However, she also allows for indulgent dinner options like fettuccine Alfredo with chicken.
Comparison: Comfort Food vs. Training Meals
| Feature | Comfort Food (Post-Competition) | Training Meals (Daily) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Reward, celebratory treat, mental reset | Fueling performance, muscle repair, energy |
| Key Food Items | Pepperoni pizza, Whataburger cheeseburger, s'mores cookies | Lemon pepper salmon, grilled chicken, rice, vegetables |
| Nutritional Focus | Indulgence, satisfaction | Lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber |
| Frequency | After a meet, occasionally | Daily, during rigorous training |
| Impact on Performance | Mental well-being, motivation | Physical endurance, strength, recovery |
The Role of Intuitive Eating and Flexibility
Biles has been open about her mindful and intuitive approach to nutrition, a conscious decision to avoid restrictive dieting, which can be detrimental for athletes. By listening to her body, she maintains a healthy relationship with food, embracing both the nourishing and the celebratory aspects of her diet. This holistic mindset allows her to perform at an elite level while still enjoying her favorite foods without guilt.
Conclusion
While a definitive single answer to what is Simone Biles' favorite meal? doesn't exist, her preference for pepperoni pizza, especially after a competition, and her love for Whataburger cheeseburgers reveal her true comfort food indulgences. However, the everyday fuel for her incredible athletic performance consists of wholesome, balanced meals like lemon pepper salmon with rice and vegetables. Ultimately, her food philosophy is a balanced blend of disciplined nutrition and joyful, well-earned treats.
Other Favorite Foods and Snacks
- Desserts: Her favorite is homemade s'mores cookies, which involves wrapping a graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate in cookie dough.
- Snacks: She enjoys pretzels with Nutella, plantain chips, popcorn, and fresh fruit.
- Drinks: She often drinks a protein shake after a workout to aid in recovery.
One of Biles's Favorite Recipes to Cook
According to Tasting Table, one of Biles's favorite dishes to cook at home is an Atlanta-inspired lemon pepper salmon with rice and vegetables. This bright and zesty meal is both healthy and flavorful, providing a great source of protein and energy. For those interested in replicating this dish, many online resources offer similar recipes to her reported go-to meal.
For more insight into Biles's journey and her dietary approach, a detailed account was published by ReallyEats. You can check it out at: Simone Biles’s Gymnastic Diet - ReallyEats
Cooking with Her Husband
Biles and her husband, Jonathan Owens, often cook meals together. Their home-cooked meals commonly feature grilled chicken or salmon alongside vegetables and sides like potatoes or mac and cheese, which underscores her balanced approach to food.
