Eating As an NBA Star Is Easier Than You Think
I am not a huge fan of foods and diets developed or approved by athletes, mainly because I am not an athlete, but I also hate the bleak, clinical approach that many of these “diets” take. (In fact, when Tom Brady released his absurd overpriced “nutritional guide” last year, I was furious. ) But the NBA has a meal plan that almost anyone can refuse: modestly tasty peanut butter and jelly.
According to ESPN, the origin story of the PB&J Sandwich Revolution is legendary. It all starts with an unnamed teammate expressing his hunger to Brian Doo (Celtics strength and conditioning coach). Kevin Garnett liked the sandwich too:
“Dude, I could go to PB&J,” the player said.
And then Garnett, in action with historical echoes, uttered the now legendary words: “Aha, let’s get this done.”
You can read the entire saga at the link below, but by the looks of it, the Celtics played well enough for Garnett to require that the iconic childhood sandwich be served before every game, and that it contains strawberries. It makes a lot of sense as food for a show; it contains protein and carbohydrates, and it does not weigh you down like a meat and fatty meal. Fast forward to the present day, and not only the Celtics eat peanut butter and jelly. Several teams have joined the game, and each is contributing.
- The Trail Blazers: Organic peanut butter and jellies are a must (no one is shocked), with the exception of white bread, which is said to have “high glycemic index carbs that are easy to digest and provide a quick energy boost.” Of the twenty sandwiches served, half are fried, and all are crustless.
- The Rockets: This is a customizable situation where White and Wheat Bread, Chunks and Smooth Jifs, and Strawberry and Grape Smuckers are offered in the kitchen all the time, including the break.
- Clippers: These guys are a little more quirky, dabbling in both peanut butter and almond butter, as well as Whole Foods’ assorted jellies.
- The Bucks: If I had to choose a basketball team based on PB&J performance alone, I would choose this one. Not only do they get a pre-game buffet with smooth, crunchy and almond butter, an assortment of jellies (raspberry, strawberry, grape, blueberry, apricot), three local bakery breads (white, wheat and gluten-free) and Nutella. But they offer their talents “PB&J flavored oats, PB&J revitalizing cocktails, PB&J waffles and PB&J pancakes.”
- The Cavs: These boys take peanut and almond butter sandwiches, homemade raspberry and grape jelly, and fresh banana slices very seriously.
The only peanut butter non grata are the processed Uncrustables (you can find them in the freezer aisle). In fact, the Cavaliers send them to opposing teams every night as a kind of culinary warfare.
The NBA’s Secret Addiction | ESPN