This week’s blog post is an exciting one. We’re major proponents of learning from the success of those around us. Today we’re learning from NY Giants Linebacker, Devon Kennard, as he shares his fitness routine, eating habits and advice for the next generation of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Check it out below and be sure to leave a comment with your thoughts!
- Being a linebacker for one of the greatest football teams in the NFL, we imagine you follow a pretty strict diet regimen. What does your diet typically consist of? Do you count calories or carbs? Do you eat a lot of protein?
- I focus on fueling up with the best foods possible. More than anything, I try not to fill my body with garbage like junk food, desserts or alcohol. I limit my intake of foods that don’t benefit my body and aren’t nutritious. My diet consists of very lean foods. I eat a lot of fish and chicken, all sorts of vegetables and as much potatoes and rice as possible. I don’t count calories, but I do eat a lot of complex carbs. I find that rice and potatoes are a much healthier and nutritious option than pasta, which provides empty calories and are usually covered in unhealthy sauces. My favorite carb as of late is sweet potatoes. They’re sweet and help satisfy my sweet tooth and are also a great source of vitamins and nutrients.
- What are some of your favorite healthy meals?
- My favorite go-to meal is salmon, sweet potato and broccoli.
- Do you believe in cheat days? Do you tend to treat yourself after a big win or defensive performance?
- Yes, I believe in cheat days. I think having one day to cheat, gives you the motivation to be disciplined all the other days. However, I’ve found that it’s important to have portion control, even on cheat days. On my cheat days, I usually indulge with a few things I don’t regularly eat but I’ve learned that I can’t overdo it. I don’t specifically plan my cheat days after game days, but I do try to treat myself about once a week max.
- How would you say nutrition impacts your performance? Have you noticed a difference in your energy level based off the foods that you eat?
- This was the first year that I managed to be extremely disciplined with my diet throughout the whole year and it’s the best my body has felt in a long time. It’s a really long season, so anything I can do to take care of my body and have the edge throughout the entire year helps. This football season, I learned that my diet is a difference maker for me. I’m not the kind of guy who drinks a lot of coffee or energy drinks, so It’s crucial that I obtain the energy my body needs from my diet. I found that the healthier I eat, the higher my energy levels will be. So eating healthy, balanced meals definitely helps me maintain high levels of energy throughout the season.
- We know that football season just ended, how do your eating patterns change when you’re in-season vs. off-season?
- My eating patterns definitely differ depending on the time of year. Since season just ended, I tend to be more laxed with my eating. Once I start training again, I’ll tighten my eating habits back up and become more strict with my diet again.
- What does your training during the off-season look like? How often do you workout?
- Off season training depends on the time of year. Your training has to go through different levels. The closer you get to season, the more intense your workouts have to be. But since season just ended, it’s important to give your body time to heal. So you might do light workouts at the beginning of the off-season and then increase with intensity as you get closer to season. Right now, I’m doing a lot of yoga, to maintain flexibility, and cardio to stay in shape. I try to workout at least once a day, even if it’s a light workout of some sort.
- Besides playing football, what are some of your favorite workouts?
- I truly enjoy the outdoors. I like going on hikes and going through trails. I find that it’s a fun way to get some exercise while also getting a bit a breath of fresh air.
- Is there a particular time of day you prefer to train? Do you find that the time of day plays a role in the quality of your workout?
- I like training in the morning to get my day started. I don’t necessarily think there’s a benefit to it. I personally just like to start my day with a workout so I can do whatever I want the rest of the day.
- Many debate whether it’s best to eat before a workout or after? What’s your preference? What kinds of meals do you prefer to eat pre & post workout?
- I can never enter a workout with an empty stomach. I like to make sure I get some sort of breakfast in before I exercise. I usually start my day with eggs and some sort of smoothie, with fruits and vegetables inside. That way, I’m starting my day off with nutrients, from the vegetables and protein, from the eggs.
- We’ve followed your story and journey to the NFL; it’s clear that the ride to where you are today has been pretty incredible. The tenacity and hard work you’ve displayed throughout your career is nothing short of amazing. What advice do you have for aspiring football players or athletes who want to be in your position one day? In your opinion, what should be their attitude towards nutrition and training?
- I would say for anyone trying to become a professional athlete — or even anyone who is dedicated to their fitness — it’s going to take resiliency. Adversity is going to come, no matter who you are, or what kind of athletic potential you may possess. If you are going to reach your goals, you’re going to have to be resilient and learn to work through the difficult days. I think athletes need to understand that when it comes to training and nutrition, it’s not one or the other. If you want to see the best results, you have to combine a good nutrition plan with your training. When you do that, you’re guaranteed to see the positive results you’re looking for.
