Five Rules: Eat Like a Champ

Lean, mean diet tips from boxer-turned-restaurateur Reza Anvarian

By LISA PETTY

Updated 11:52 AM CST, Wed, Oct 14, 2009

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Lisa Petty

“I’m probably in better shape now than when I was training for fights.”

Tomorrow marks one year to the day since former boxer Reza Anvarian began serving up health food his way at Southpaw’s Organic Café. From soccer moms to athletes, he’s developed a loyal following for his all-natural sandwiches, salads and smoothies. Each menu item was designed to compliment a healthy lifestyle, and the man himself totally walks the walk.

Since taking to the ring at age 12, the one-time Golden Gloves champ has been committed to working out and eating right. Marathons, triathlons, weight lifting and most recently kite surfing are all part of Anvarian’s regular routine.

Read on for his top mealtime tips for staying in great physical condition – and just maybe the marathons will follow…maybe.

Take it from us - these bars don't taste like cardboard.

There's even room for a little pizza in a healthy diet.

Five Rules for Eating Like a Champ

1. Never skip breakfast.
You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again from our expert today. “You always have to eat breakfast,” Anvarian states. “It helps you stay full throughout the day.” He recommends packing your morning plate with egg whites, oatmeal and even a little bacon.

2. Protein is power.
“To build lean muscle, you need 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight every day,” our expert explains. That’s news to us! Turkey, tuna and chicken breasts are great lean meat choices, and Anvarian also supplements with IsoPure powder for an added protein punch.

3. Snack is not a four-letter word.
There’s no reason to starve between meals. In fact, Anvarian tries to eat a little something every two hours to keep his metabolism humming. He favors super-portable apples and bananas, as well as OhYeah! Bars (“They taste like candy bars!”) and Syntha-6 shakes.

4. Just say “no”.
Nitrates, preservatives and refined sugar are all diet ‘don’t’s’ in this guy’s book. Try agave nectar as a healthy sweetener instead, and always choose premium nitrate-free meats.

5. Make time for pizza.
Finally, Anvarian knows it’s essential to treat yourself every once in a while. Take a moment savor one of your favorite meals – and don’t skip dessert. He likes barbeque chicken pizza, but maybe you’re into fettuccine or fajitas. Like the champ says, “You gotta enjoy yourself! Otherwise, what’s the point?”