At the age of 34, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami continues to be one of the most reliable and feared pace bowlers in world cricket. His remarkable fitness, even as he enters the latter stages of his career, is a testament to his dedication and discipline. Recently, in a candid conversation with former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu on Star Sports, Shami opened up about his unconventional diet and fitness regimen, revealing how he stays in peak condition.
The One-Meal-A-Day Diet
Shami's diet is far from typical. While most athletes follow a balanced routine of multiple meals throughout the day, Shami has adopted a unique approach that involves eating just one meal a day. He revealed that after 2015, he decided to completely skip both breakfast and lunch, with dinner being the sole meal he consumes.
“I only have dinner, no breakfast, no lunch. It is very difficult to do such a thing, but once you get used to it, then it becomes very easy,” Shami said, shedding light on his extreme yet effective routine. This approach, known as intermittent fasting, helps him regulate his weight and energy levels throughout the day, ensuring that he remains focused and fit despite the intense demands of professional cricket.
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The Challenges of a One-Meal-A-Day Regimen
Shami acknowledged that adopting this lifestyle was not an easy feat at first. Skipping meals can take a toll on anyone’s body, especially an elite athlete like him who needs consistent fuel for training and matches. However, over the years, he has gotten accustomed to the routine. For Shami, the key to making it work lies in discipline and mental fortitude. "It’s tough in the beginning, but after a while, your body adapts to it," he explained.
Many athletes find it hard to follow such a restrictive diet, but for Shami, this one-meal-a-day strategy aligns well with his fitness goals, allowing him to maintain his lean physique without feeling deprived. His dedication to this diet is clearly paying off, as he remains one of the fastest bowlers in the game.
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Battling Weight Gain During Rehab
Despite his solid fitness, Shami faced a major challenge in 2023 when he suffered an ankle injury during the World Cup final. The injury led to a 14-month rehab period, during which Shami struggled with weight gain, a common issue for athletes during recovery.
"My weight was touching 90kgs during my rehab period. The most difficult thing is you have to challenge yourself. It was a very tough phase at the NCA," Shami recalled. Losing weight after an injury can be an arduous task, especially when one is not able to maintain the same level of physical activity. However, Shami tackled the challenge head-on, shedding a remarkable nine kilograms through sheer willpower and hard work.
Staying Away from Temptations
While many athletes indulge in occasional treats, Shami's discipline allows him to resist most temptations, particularly when it comes to food. He emphasised that he stays away from sweets and other delicacies that could derail his progress. "I do not crave for delicacies. I stay away from sweets and a lot of things that people usually eat," he said.
Despite this, Shami allowed himself some room for indulgence on special occasions. "And, as far as the biryani is concerned, sometimes it's okay," he joked. This balanced approach to his diet—strict most of the time, but allowing for occasional treats—helps Shami maintain both his fitness and his sanity during the grind of his career.
Shami’s Fitness Philosophy
What sets Shami apart from many athletes is his no-nonsense approach to fitness. His diet and exercise regimen are aligned with his goal of maintaining his pace and power on the field. Shami's focus is on staying lean and strong, ensuring that he remains competitive well into his 30s. He has always been cautious about his fitness, and his dedication to a disciplined lifestyle has undoubtedly played a significant role in his sustained success as an elite cricketer.
By sticking to his unique routine, Shami has shown that dedication and consistency are key to staying in peak form, no matter the age or challenges. His story is a reminder that it’s not just about natural talent but also about working hard to maintain that talent at its peak.