The “CR7 diet” has become an urban legend in the world of sport. Between radical exclusion of dairy products, banishment of classic starchy foods and consumption of offal, the five-time Ballon d’Or imposes extreme rigor on his body.
But are these practices, praised by his former personal chef Giorgio Barone, scientifically based or are they simply personal preferences? Pauline Pied, dietician, sheds her light on these habits which are the subject of much discussion.
The myth of dairy products: scientific confusion
Giorgio Barone states that “humans are the only animals to drink the milk of other animals” and describes this habit as “unnatural” once the age of early childhood is passed. For Pauline Pied, it is crucial not to confuse opinion and science.
“Saying that it is not okay to drink cow’s milk because no other animal does is a fallacious argument. It’s like saying we shouldn’t eat meat because some animals are herbivores.”she explains.
According to the expert, tolerance to dairy products is specific to each individual. “There are people who like dairy products and who digest them well; they have no problem consuming it, it even complies with nutritional recommendations. Conversely, those who digest them poorly or who don’t like them can do without them altogether.“. In short, nothing justifies a universal demonization of milk.
Carbohydrates and vegetables: a balance to be nuanced
Ronaldo’s diet excludes pasta and bread in favor of carbohydrates exclusively from fruits and vegetables. Although this model may be suitable for a specific lifestyle, it does not constitute a universal golden rule.
“It is not a balanced diet in the strict sense, because the body needs complex carbohydrates, which are mainly found in starchy foods.“, underlines Pauline Pied.
For a high-level athlete like Ronaldo, whose muscles draw their energy from glycogen stores during prolonged efforts, the complete absence of starch seems unlikely.
“Someone who knows nothing about nutrition might be tempted to give up starchy foods by practicing intense sport; Above all, he risks chronic fatigue and poor muscle recovery. warns the dietitian.
The real benefit of offal
While the milk debate rages, Barone and other experts agree on one point: the consumption of organ meats. The liver, for example, is indeed an exceptional source of iron and essential nutrients.
The integration of these products into an athlete’s diet is a coherent practice from a nutritional point of view, provided that it is balanced with the rest of the ration.
Life discipline: the real secret of CR7
Beyond the contents of the plate, it is Ronaldo’s implacable discipline that impresses. Total rejection of sugar, refusal of junk food, imperative of sleep… The player applies basic principles of sports nutrition. But above all it is the result of personal discipline and careful adaptation to one’s needs as an athlete.
If his food choices reflect a search for performance, they should not be taken as universal scientific truths. Before making any radical changes to your diet, keep in mind that balance relies on variety and adaptation to your own physiological needs.