Kelly Slater may be participating in a kava ceremony here. But the bottom line is, the guy’s big on diet and health, and deliberate about what he puts in his body. Photo: WSL/Kelly Cestari
If ever there were a man worthy of the title “Super-Human,” Kelly Slater would be the first one on my list. The guy’s an absolute freak in the best possible way; from winning 11 world titles to dating the likes of Cameron Diaz, Gisele Bündchen, and Pamela Anderson, there isn’t much that Kelly can’t do. However, I’m not writing to praise Lord Slater or to remind everyone of how great he is, but rather, to give an insight into something I’ve noticed that could use some more attention: Kelly’s diet and what he’s trying to say about it.
Since Kelly’s a busy guy and I don’t have his phone number, I decided to pull all of his dieting tips from the most public medium possible– his Instagram page. Judging by the amount of food-related posts, it’s clear that Slater cares an awful lot about what he puts in his body. In fact, not only does care, but he seems to want other people to care too. In his own words:
“There is literally no reason for half of this world to be sick and/or obese and either waiting to die one day or expecting some medical miracle…Your health is the most important thing you own. Think about that the next time you eat junk and complain about the price of good quality organic food”(IG post from 2014).
Frankly, he’s right. You are what you eat, after all, and Kelly’s athletic success and vivacious demeanor can speak for themselves. What then, is the champ eating, that gives him the right to school us about what we should put into our bodies? It turns out that he’s really onto something.
Here are 10 hyper-healthy foods/supplements straight from Kelly’s Instagram posts:
1. Chia Seeds – These seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain rich in protein, Omega-3 fats, fiber, and fatty acids. They’re beneficial for skin and aging, digestive health, heart health, provide an energy boost and support a healthy metabolism, build muscle, support weight loss, and fight breast cancer and diabetes.
A photo posted by Kelly Slater (@kellyslater) on
2. Kimchi – A Korean fermented cabbage and spice mixture, kimchi is low in calories but high in nutrients like amino acids, antioxidants, fiber, Vitamin A and C, and probiotics. It supports the immune system, regulates cholesterol levels, improves digestion, has anti-obesity and anti-aging properties, and reduces risk of cancer.
3. Grass-Fed, Organic Beef – According to Eat Wild, “If all Americans switched to grass-fed meats, our national epidemic of obesity might diminish.” It’s lower in fat and calories, 2-4 times higher in Omega-3 than grain-fed beef, high in CLA’s (reducing cancer risk) and Vitamin E (an antioxidant with anti-aging qualities).
4. Elk Antler Extract – An ancient Chinese medicine proven to provide Arthritis relief, elk antler extract has anti-aging properties, enhances athletic performance and mental acuity, builds muscle, supports healthy blood flow, and the immune system.
5. Bee Pollen – Considered, “one of nature’s most completely nourishing foods,” bee pollen is about 40% protein. Pollen improves endurance and vitality, reduces cravings and addictions, remedies allergies, prevents infectious diseases (i.e cold and flu), regulates the intestines, maintains healthy skin, and helps overcome developmental problems in children.
A photo posted by Kelly Slater (@kellyslater) on
6. Kelp – Kelp is a nutrient rich, brown seaweed low in fats and calories yet high in antioxidants, minerals (particularly Iodine and Calcium), enzymes, and fiber. It increases brain functioning and energy levels, promotes weight loss and thyroid hormone production, strengthens bones and muscles, and benefits cardiovascular health.
7. Ginseng – Ginseng is an ancient herbal remedy containing ginsenosides, which improve memory and mood, fight diabetes, cancer, ADHD, and reduce the relative risk of respiratory illnesses by 48%.
8. Shilajit – Touted in India as the ‘Destroyer of Weakness’ this nutrient rich, resinous biomass contains humic and fulvic acids. Shilajit supports energy production and cell rejuvenation, balanced blood sugar, absorption of vital nutrients, sharp intelligence, efficient detoxification, as well as improved memory and mood.
9. Ashwagandha – AKA Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is A resilient plant with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidepressant, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, stress relief, antioxidant, and aphrodisiac properties.
10. Almond Milk – Low in fat but high in energy, this dairy alternative contains zero cholesterol or lactose and is rich in proteins, lipids, minerals (Calcium, Iron, and Potassium, to name a few) and vitamins. Known to reduce the risk of cancer as well as high blood pressure, strengthen bones and muscles, improve vision and the health of the heart, kidneys, and skin, and amazingly, is a substitute for breast milk.
After realizing the incredible, almost shocking health benefits of the foods listed above, it’s really no wonder why Kelly Slater is able to do what he does. With all of those anti-aging and energy improving qualities, it makes sense that he can shred alongside the young bucks of today’s CT at the age of 44. More importantly, however, as a role model and success story, Kelly’s diet should not be taken for granted in the slightest. While, yes, much of the world does not have access to or the financial means to obtain and maintain a diet of costly super-foods, Slater’s message remains unfailing: that we as humans should truly prioritize our own health above (virtually) all else. Even if you are completely repulsed by the idea of eating kelp, or elk antler extract, consider how a change in diet can have an immensely positive impact on life. In the words of Slater, “I wanna be healthy and get barreled at Backdoor when I’m 90 years old. What’s your goal?”
