Chris Paul Workout and DIET
Professional Basketball Player
Born: 1985
From North Carolina, Chris Paul’s father coached him and his brother from childhood in basketball and football. As a high school senior, Paul was named a All-American by McDonald’s and Parade magazine. He went to Wake Forest University where he was an ACC Rookie of the Year. In 2005, Paul was picked up by the New Orleans Hornets and named Rookie of the Year. He has also played for the LA Clippers, the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Paul has played on 12 NBA All-Star Games and won an All-Star MVP award. He also won 2 Olympic gold medals (’08, ’12). Paul served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013-2021. He is one of the world’s highest-paid athletes and has many endorsement deals including with Air Jordan, Beyond Meat and State Farm. Paul founded a self-named charity which supports and enriches underprivileged communities. He is married and has 2 children. Paul has millions of followers on social media. He is 6 feet tall and weighs about175 lbs.
Known For:
Chris Paul’s Diet
Summary
Paul switched to a plant-based diet after taking part in the 2019 film/documentary The Game Changers. He went cold turkey and admits it was challenging, but he says cutting out meat made a huge difference in his game and the way he feels day-to-day. Some of his go-tos are oatmeal, nuts, fruit, veggies and meat-alternatives. He endorses the brand Beyond Meat. He stays hydrated with plenty of water.
Estimated Macros
- Medium Fat 30%
- Medium Carb 40%
- Medium Protein 40%
Diet Details
Plant-Curious
Paul didn’t go looking for veganism, but it found him. He gave it a try and was amazed at how much better he felt not eating meat. His aches and pains were gone. Trips to the b-room went a whole lot quicker too.
Safe Bets
Oatmeal is one of Paul’s top picks for breakfast. He’ll have it at home and it’s usually readily available at hotels too for a healthy, filling meal. He likes his oatmeal topped with fruit, nuts, honey and chopped pecans.
Full-Out Vegan
While vegetarianism is a spectrum with some people eating animal products like dairy and eggs, or even fish, Paul has gone 100% plant-based. However, he does enjoy vegan versions of meat products.
Sugar Fiend
Paul’s idea of a cheat meal is cookies. That said, he says he tries not to go too crazy with the sugar.
What to Eat
Plant-based Foods
Vegetables
Fruit
Nuts
Whole Grains
Legumes
Plant-based Protein
Honey
Cookies
Water
What to Avoid
Animal Products
Meat
Dairy
Eggs
Excess Sugar
Junk Food
Fast Food
Artificial Ingredients
Chemicals
Paul on His New Diet
‘I chose a plant-based life. So far, so good. Not easy but for me, it’s working.’
Paul on Making The Switch to Plants
‘I was itching. I thought I needed a chicken wing or something, but somehow I made it through.’
Paul on a Big Difference in Plant vs Meat-based Diets
‘It might be too much information [but] it’s going to the restroom. It becomes…a lot faster. A whole lot faster.’
Paul on Sugar
‘I’m always conscious of how much sugar I’m getting.’
Paul on The Effect of His New Diet
‘I do feel really good right now.’
Paul on Whether He Recommends Veganism
‘I ain’t trying to say you have to stay with it, but give it a try.’
Chris Paul’s Workout Routine
Weekly Routine
Always Active
Athletics has always been an important part of Paul’s life. His dad coached him and his older brother in multiple sports throughout childhood.
Whatever It Takes
Paul has had multiple injuries and surgeries. When he needed to keep the weight off his knee, he took up swimming. He also does boxing and rides a bike. He enjoys just about anything that involves moving.
Lob City Leader
Thanks primarily to Paul’s incredible talent on the court with his alley-oo dunks, the Clippers became known as ‘Lob City.’ LA traded him to Houston in 2017 where he helped that team score a 65-game record in his first season there.
Daily Dose
Paul works out for his job, but he says he also works out for himself. He trains year round because he just feels better.
Weight Training
Paul wasn’t into lifting weights in high school because he thought it would mess up his shot. He learned since then that it actually helps.
Active Recovery
For a pro athlete, Paul is considered ‘older.’ To keep up with the young’uns, he uses a foam roller daily. He also does stretches every day as well as cold dips in the bath or cold/hot contrasts. He also gets regular massages and dry needling. He’s always trying new things to stay at the top of his game.
Exercise Style
A Sample Chris Paul Routine
Warm up:
Walking knee-to-chest: 10 reps x 2 sets
Walking warrior lunges: 10 reps x 2 sets
Hip swings: 15 reps x 2 sets
Lateral shift lunge: 10 reps x 2 sets
SL balance ball toss: 15 reps x 3 sets
Ankle band workout
Do 10 reps x 2 sets of each of the following:
Eversion
Inversion
Anterior tibialis
Basketball drills: daily
Weight training: daily
Chin-ups: 2 sets to failure
Dumbbell incline: 10 reps x 2 sets
Single-leg bosu touch: standing on 1 leg, lower into 1/4 squat, touching free foot to floor in front of Bosu, then to side 5x, then behind Bosu 5x. Do 2sets/leg.
Stability stretch:
Bosu circles: Use core, hips, and ankles to rotate clockwise, then counterclockwise. Do 10 circles/each direction x 2 sets
Recovery:
Foam roller/stretching: daily
Cold and/or constant therapy
Dry needling
Massage
Paul on Making Time For Exercise
‘If you can just do some sit-ups or push-ups before work, it can really make a difference.’
Paul on Why Exercise Is Important
‘It’s not just about how you look, it’s about how you feel.’
Paul on Weightlifting
‘It’s not about getting big and bulky. It’s about preventing injuries and getting my core strong.’
Paul on Recovery work
‘It’s a lot of maintenance and a big focus on keeping that in order.’
Paul on The Effects of His Vegan Diet on Training
‘’I started working out…and thought, “Am I not lifting hard enough?…Why am I not achy?”’
Paul on Recovery
‘Earlier in my career, I wasn’t as focused on the foam-rolling and stretching and now it’s a daily thing.’
Paul on More Recovery Steps
‘After practice, I get in the cold tub, or sometimes I’ll do contrast where I’ll get in the cold for 2 or 3 minutes then in the hot for 1 minute, then go back. I’m just constantly just doing different things and seeing what works best for my body.’
Chris Paul’s Supplements
Besides his Koia plant-based protein drinks, Paul doesn’t have much to say about other supplements he might be taking. So, below are options that can benefit anyone following a similar diet plan.
Plant-Based Protein
Paul is on a mission to create a culture of eco-conscious eating. He has invested in Koia plant-based protein drinks and is actively involved in getting Koia vending machines placed in HBCU (historically black colleges and universities). Koia is gluten-free, low in sugar, and offers complete plant protein. Koia also has a keto line made with MCT oil and smoothies made with electrolyte-rich coconut water.
vitamin B12
Plant-based eaters should consider supplementing with vitamin B12 to reduce the risk of anemia, as well as fatigue and depression.
Vitamin D
Another vitamin that can be hard to get on a vegan diet is Vitamin D, essential for strong bones and muscles as well as good immune function, memory and a positive outlook.
Calcium
Calcium is another nutrient that can be hard to get enough of if dairy is off the table.
omega-3s
Paul has suffered many injuries, and anti-inflammatory omega-3s made from algae are also good for your body, mind and mood.
iodine
Another essential mineral you might not think of running low on is iodine, which can cause depression, weight gain, and tingling fingers and toes.
Chris Paul’s Lifestyle
Prioritize Sleep
Paul isn’t just a top athlete, he’s also a dad. He’s up early every day. To make sure he doesn’t miss a thing, he tries to get to bed at a reasonable hour.
CP3
Paul has had the nickname ‘CP3’ since childhood due to sharing initials with both his father and older brother (both named Charles).
Family Honor
For many summers while growing up, Paul worked at his grandfather’s service station. When his grandfather was shot and killed at age 61, Paul honored him by scoring 61 points in a game.
Clothes Horse
Paul likes clothes. While he has ‘a little bit of everything,’ he feels Ralph Lauren’s clothes are special because a lot of them have the number 3 on them.
All-Around Sports Guy
Paul can’t get enough of balls, including bowling balls. He bowls regularly and owns a Professional Bowlers Association franchise called L.A.X. Paul also has a minority stake in the minor league baseball team, the Winston-Salem Dash.
Napoleon Complex?
Paul calls himself ‘small,’ and says that ‘being short’ has given him the drive to fight and become the best.
Full Circle
Paul says he’s excited to be back in Oklahoma City where that’s where his career started. (The New Orleans Hornets played in OKC his debut year because of damage from Hurricane Katrina).
Paul on Stretching Before Bed
‘It helps me sleep better.’
Paul on Habits
‘It’s like those people who wake up and go to Starbucks every day and get coffee…I don’t feel right unless I get up and go to the gym.’
Paul on His Grandfather
‘Most of the time, if you ask a kid who’s their best friend, it’s usually a classmate or their neighbor…but for me, it was my granddad.’
Paul on Himself
‘I love people. I hate to be by myself.’
Paul on Family
‘I’m so blessed to come from a home with a mother and a father.’
Paul on Wearing Insoles
‘Everything begins and ends with your feet.’
Paul on Oklahoma City
‘It’s been great being back and around everyone.’
Paul on Money
‘I always have said that the most valuable thing I have isn’t money; it’s my time.’
Paul on Ralph Lauren Apparel
‘I feel like it’s meant for me.’
Paul on His Outspokenness
I’m sure some people would love it if I didn’t talk as much as I did.’
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