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- Serena Williams says her first training-day meal comes later than people might expect (businessinsider.com)
Serena Williams Shares Her Unique Approach to Mealtime Amid a Busy Training Schedule
Tennis legend Serena Williams, 44, recently opened up about her eating routine, revealing that she doesn’t follow the traditional breakfast-first approach. Instead, Williams typically delays her first meal until around lunchtime.
“I’m not really a breakfast person, so my first meal is usually around lunchtime. I’ll start with protein, have something lighter before I train, and then make sure I have a more substantial meal afterward to recover,” Williams explained in a recent interview.
While her mornings focus on fueling her training, dinner serves a different purpose. Williams prioritizes family time in the evenings, making a point to cook for her daughters, Olympia and Adira. “That meal is less about what I need for training and more about sitting down together as a family,” she said, emphasizing the importance of shared mealtime.
Despite her fitness-focused diet, Williams also allows herself some indulgences. “I love tacos,” she admitted.
Balancing nutrition with enjoyment is key for her. “When I’m competing, I’m focused on eating what I need to feel strong and perform my best, but I also believe in enjoying yourself.
It’s all about balance.”
During events like the US Open, Williams embraces the local food culture. “New York has some of the best food in the world, so it’s impossible not to indulge a little when I’m there,” she noted.
Nutrition experts highlight that while breakfast is often linked to benefits such as weight management and stable blood sugar, skipping it isn’t necessarily harmful. In some cases, it can resemble intermittent fasting, which may also offer health benefits.
“Whether breakfast works best depends largely on the individual,” said registered dietitian Bonnie Taub-Dix. “The timing of your day depends on schedule and your digestion. Some people should eat earlier, and some might not feel hungry in the morning.”
Williams is not alone among athletes in skipping breakfast. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has shared that he often doesn’t feel hungry in the morning and doesn’t follow a strict fasting routine. Similarly, New York Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns opts for a liquid breakfast, starting his day with water, black coffee, MCT oil, and chicken bone broth.
Williams’ approach underscores that effective nutrition routines can vary greatly-and that making room for family and personal enjoyment is just as important as fueling athletic performance.
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- Serena Williams says her first training-day meal comes later than people might expect (businessinsider.com)