IN order to become a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, you're going to have to make some sacrifices.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt, 33, has done just that throughout his career, becoming renowned for his intense workout regime and almost obsessive dedication to his craft.
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So exactly what does it take to keep yourself in such a peak physical condition? Well, for the Wisconsin native, it means cutting out the cheese curds.
The recommended caloric intake for an average adult male is approximately 2,500 calories.
According to Sportskeeda, the average intake of an NFL player is around 5,000 calories.
Watt, meanwhile, hits 9,000 per day thanks to his semi-keto, semi-Paleo diet rich in fats such as avocados, olive oil, and bacon.
Healthy carbohydrates are then mixed in, in the form of sweet potatoes, for example.
Back in 2019, Watt told People: "Some days it can feel like all Im doing is eating.
"It's all about giving my body the tools it needs to perform at a high level."
However, when speaking to GQ, the then-Houston Texan explained that calorie counting isn't his priority.
Watt explained: "I'm not strict on my calorie count, I just pay attention to my body.
"Over the years I've learned a lot about nutrition and about myself, so its a lot more based on feel.
"I stopped putting a number on it because people were analyzing it too much."
They report that he consumes two breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on a daily basis.
According to an interview with GQ back in 2016, Watt laid out an example of his daily meals.
He begins with oatmeal with strawberries and blueberries, six eggs, and a banana and an apple.
He'll kick-off his second breakfast with another four eggs, along with two slices of wheat toast teamed with peanut butter, banana, and honey, and then another two slices of wheat toast, this time accompanied by jelly.
Moving on to his first lunch, and Watt again remains on the whole wheat train, teaming pasta with three chicken breasts, Italian dressing, and a side of broccoli.
His second helping of lunch can include yet more chicken breasts, alongside mashed sweet potatoes, and steamed carrots.
To finish off the day, Watt adds to his whole wheat intake with more pasta, lamb chops, and grilled asparagus.
His second dinner, and final meal of the day, consists of, you guessed it, whole wheat pasta, steamed broccoli, and a filet.
Watt has spoken about how his workout regime has had to change multiple times over the years - especially thanks to his growing injury history.
But that doesn't mean he takes it easy.
According to Sportskeeda, Watt wakes up between 5 and 6 am, and starts his day with a 30 to 40 minute warm up. This is supposedly performed barefoot to help promote "balance and ankle stability."
One of the primary aims of this session is to make sure his core is sufficiently prepared before moving onto weight based exercises.
His warm ups reportedly consist of planks, glute extensions, side planks with a raised leg, lateral leg walks with bands, bird-dogs, and dead-bugs.
Watt's session also entails glute and low ab work, "with an emphasis on the groin and pelvic floor strength and stability."
The five-time First-Team All-Pro works out for around 90 minutes per day, and consists of free weights, functional training, conditioning, footwork drills, and resistance band exercises.
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Inside JJ Watts diet and workout plan with NFL icon eating 9,000 calories a day and 90-minute workout s... - The US Sun
