Bruce Lee’s fame was due to his exceptional abilities as a martial artist and bodybuilder.
What is less well known was his understanding of the importance of nutritional balance to provide him with the energy and stamina required for his work.
The eating regime which he used has come to be known as “The Bruce Lee Diet.”
In fact, Lee did not really think of it as a diet in the generally understood meaning of the word, but rather as simply a sensible way of eating.
Followers of the Bruce Lee Diet report a reduction in stomach fat AND improved muscular development.
So, if you feel like trying it out, here is a summary of the main elements of the diet:
Avoid Refined Flour
Many baked foods such as biscuits and cakes, are made from refined flour, and provide what Lee called “empty calories”.
The condition of irritable bowel syndrome is blamed on the excess consumption of refined flours. Lee didn’t want to consume calories that were not beneficial.
Chinese Food
Bruce Lee felt that western food was often too bland. His favorite Chinese dishes included beef in oyster sauce and tofu. He enjoyed steak and liver too, but felt Asian style food was more balanced.
Most Western food places too much emphasis on protein and fat and not enough on carbohydrates from vegetables, rice, pasta etc.
Avoid Dairy Food
Like many Chinese, Bruce Lee did not like dairy food. Indeed many in Asia never eat cheese, comparing its smell to the odor of a dead body.
Lee usually used powdered milk instead of fresh milk, if at all.
Smaller Portions and More Meals
Lee would usually eat four or five small meals a day, rather than a two or three large ones. But he would also eat some healthy snacks, such as fruits.
Eating more often than every four hours is not good for the digestive system and often leads to indigestion.
Drink Protein Drinks
Bruce Lee drank several protein drinks and fruit smoothies every day.
These are some typical examples:
Non-instant powdered milk
Eggs – sometimes with the shells!
Wheat germ / wheat germ oil
Peanut butter
Banana
Brewers yeast
Inositol supplement
Lecithin – taken in granular form.
Take Dietary Supplements
Here are some of the supplements Bruce Lee took. But, it must be borne in mind that Lee took these in the1960’s; today more efficient supplements are available.
Vitamin C
Lecithing granules
Bee Pollen
Vitamin E
Rose hips (liquid form)
Wheat germ oil
Natural protein tablets (chocolate flavour)
Acerola – C
B-Folia
Increase Carbohydrates by Juicing and Blending
Lee would often make juices/smoothies comprising of carrots, celery, apples, bananas and some parsley.
Many enzymes are destroyed when vegetables are cooked, so consuming raw fruit and vegetables is best. For better health and more energy some 50 percent of carbohydrates should come from raw fruit and vegetables.
Eat Honey and Ginseng
A Royal Jelly and ginseng drink gives a quick boost of energy. Royal jelly contains B-complex vitamins, and trace amounts of vitamin C.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ginseng promotes Yang energy, improves circulation, increases blood supply, revitalizes and aids recovery from weakness after illness, and stimulates the body.
Considering Bruce Lee’s commitment to health and fitness, the circumstances of his death at the age of 32 are ironic.
A Life Daily article in July 2013 revealed that the official reason for his death was a simple allergic reaction to medication he took for a headache.
However, his premature death sparked a whole host of conspiracy stories on the internet. To read the full story CLICK HERE.
What do you think of The Bruce Lee Diet?
Would you give it a try? Are you on a diet now which you think is better?
You can share your thoughts with our readers by using the comments feed provided below.
