Off-season fitness and nutrition regimen of NBA star Luka Dončić involves intense fasting and consumption of protein shakes.
In the world of professional basketball, Luka Dončić's name is synonymous with talent and determination. The Slovenian sensation has been making waves in the NBA, and his recent focus on fitness has taken his game to new heights.
Dončić's regimen revolves around a strict intermittent fasting schedule, a high-protein, gluten-free diet, and intense twice-daily workouts.
Intermittent Fasting
Each day, Dončić fasts from 8:30 p.m. until noon the next day, except on Sundays. This means he does not eat before or during his morning workout, which lasts about 90 minutes. The goal of fasting is to reduce post-workout inflammation and improve recovery.
High Protein Intake
To maintain his muscle health, Dončić consumes at least 250 grams of protein daily. His diet includes eggs and chicken as staple protein sources, supplemented with no-sugar, low-carb whey protein isolate shakes. Sometimes he has almond milk in his shakes.
Gluten-Free and Low Sugar
Dončić has eliminated gluten and significantly reduced sugar to optimize his nutrition.
Balanced Nutrition
Besides protein, Dončić snacks on nuts (like almonds) and eats lots of vegetables. Fruit often serves as his dessert, ensuring a well-rounded intake of micronutrients.
Workouts
Dončić trains twice daily. His sessions mix weightlifting to build and define muscle with on-court basketball drills aiming to sharpen skills and conditioning. His morning workout precedes breaking the fast, followed by a second session later in the day.
Team Support
Dončić's routine is managed by a team including his physiotherapist Javier Barrio, trainer Anže Maček, and nutritionist Lucia Almendros. They tailor his program to maintain peak physical condition while prioritizing recovery and inflammation control.
This disciplined approach has resulted in significant improvements in muscle definition, strength, and endurance for Dončić. His focus on fitness during the offseason marks a considerable evolution from previous periods when his preparation was less fitness-focused.
This regimen also supports Dončić's competitive drive and is considered foundational for his upcoming performances, including representing Slovenia at EuroBasket in August 2025.
Sources: - Business Insider, 2025-07-31 [1] - Economic Times, 2025-07-28 [2] - Sports Illustrated, 2025-07-28 [3] - Men's Health, 2025-07-28 [5]
What kind of diet does Luka Dončić follow for optimal health-and-wellness and sports performance? His diet includes intermittent fasting, a high-protein, gluten-free, and low-sugar diet, with protein sources like eggs, chicken, and no-sugar, low-carb whey protein isolate shakes, along with snacking on nuts and vegetables, and fruit as a dessert.
How does Dončić maintain his fitness and muscle health? He adheres to a strict regimen that includes twice-daily workouts, mixing weightlifting and on-court basketball drills, and a protein intake of at least 250 grams daily.
What role does nutrition play in Dončić's fitness and wellness journey? Dončić's nutritionist Lucia Almendros helps manage his diet to optimize his nutrition, eliminate gluten, and significantly reduce sugar.
Who supports and manages Dončić's fitness routine? Dončić's fitness routine is managed by a team including his physiotherapist Javier Barrio, trainer Anže Maček, and nutritionist Lucia Almendros. This team tailors his program to maintain peak physical condition while prioritizing recovery and inflammation control.
