Novac Djokovic’s ‘Life Changing’ Diet – reviewed by Nutritional Therapist – Maureen Houston

In his recently published book, Serve To Win, the world tennis number one, Novak Djokovic, claims that his very specific eating plan has turned his life around, cured his health problems, and enabled him to achieve acclaimed success on the court. He eliminated gluten, dairy, and sugar (and to some extent, tomatoes) from his diet, and mainly eats high quality vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, chicken, and quinoa.

Pundits have been quick to either ridicule or heap praise on Djokovic’s diet – but mainly the former. People who have never studied nutrition see fit to comment, often adversely or mockingly, on dietary models which they perceive as faddish – particularly in the case of gluten-free. In fact, aside from those who have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, and therefore must avoid gluten, there are many others who suffer from non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. These people – and Djokovic is clearly among them – find their many debilitating symptoms clear up very soon after eliminating gluten.

Dr Igor Cetojevic, a nutritionist and fellow Serb, first identified Djokovic’s problem with gluten. Blood tests confirmed that Djokovic was strongly intolerant to wheat and dairy products and mildly sensitive to tomatoes – these were the foods responsible for causing his physical problems and affecting his mental state.

For a guy whose parents owned a pizza restaurant, being told to stop eating bread and cheese and cut down on tomatoes was anathema – but Djokovic gamely agreed to try Dr Cetojevic’s personalised diet plan. Initially, he cut out gluten and dairy for two weeks, and the effect was immediate – he felt lighter, more energetic, and slept better than ever. Twelve months later he’d lost 11lbs in weight and felt stronger, healthier, more alert, far higher energy, and mentally sharper.

In his foreword to Djokovic’s book, cardiologist Dr William Davis lists physical problems caused by eating wheat, including ulcerative colitis, acid reflux, abdominal stress and rheumatoid arthritis. He also says it can contribute to paranoia, schizophrenia and autism; and that eating wheat “has the potential to cripple performance, cloud mental focus, and bring a champion to his knees”.

The key to Djokovic’s health turn-around is the complete absence of gluten, dairy products, and most sugar. His diet is based on vegetables, beans, white meat, fish, fruit, nuts, seeds, chickpeas, quinoa, lentils, and healthy oils. Djokovic is extraordinarily dedicated to his dietary regime. He buys organic food wherever possible, and cooks most meals himself. Even on tour, he uses hotels’ kitchens when allowed.

As a nutritional therapist, I have huge respect for Djokovic’s commitment to his eating plan, and could only hope that my patients might be quite so dedicated and compliant! Also, we’re told Djokovic eats slowly and deliberately. He never watches television or uses his phone or computer while eating – all of which I concur with whole-heartedly and advise others to follow.

All the key elements of his nutritional programme – both the foods he’s eliminated, and those he is eating – represent the style of eating that I recommend for most people, regardless of their ailments or symptoms. I would challenge anyone to adopt this eating plan – just try it for two weeks – and not feel better (even those who think they’re in perfect health).

If you would like an appointment with Maureen Houston to discuss how she can help you achieve better health, either as a sports person, or if you suspect you may be gluten intolerant please ring our friendly receptionists on 01865 558561.