Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s diet plan: Former private chef explains why milk is completely off his menu and “against nature”

Cristiano Ronaldo has long been known for his strict diet and fitness routine, which has helped him sustain an elite career into his 25th professional season. Despite milk being widely considered a “superdrink” rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins, Ronaldo has avoided it entirely as part of his disciplined lifestyle.

According to his former private chef Giorgio Barone, milk is completely excluded from Ronaldo’s diet, not just for performance reasons, but due to a broader belief about human consumption.

Barone explained, “No milk,” and elaborated:“Humans are the only animals that drink the milk of other animals. No other animal drinks milk after three months. Calves don’t drink milk after the age of three months. Animals don’t drink the milk of other animals.


“It does not exist in nature. Only human beings continue to drink milk up to 30, 40, 50, and 60 years, and in my view it is wrong. We breastfeed from our mothers, like dogs, wolves, cows and donkeys. It is normal.

“After infancy it is not normal. It is against nature.”

Barone described Ronaldo’s eating habits as structured but not overly restrictive. “Cristiano Ronaldo’s diet is balanced,” he said. “He eats a little bit of everything, but it’s always healthy.”

He added:“Starting with breakfast, he would have an avocado with coffee, eggs and no sugar. Absolutely no sugar. Lunch could be chicken, fish and always vegetables. If he needs carbohydrates, he gets them through vegetables, so he doesn’t need anything made with flour.

“Nothing like pasta, bread and other types of food. In the evening, he eats light foods, usually fish or meat in the form of fillet. It’s always accompanied by vegetables.”

Ronaldo’s diet eliminates refined sugar and flour-based carbohydrates, focusing instead on proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. This disciplined approach has helped him maintain body fat levels below 10 per cent and stay in peak physical condition.

His routine isn’t limited to food. Ronaldo also prioritises recovery methods such as saunas and ice baths, which play a crucial role in maintaining his fitness and longevity at the highest level.

[With TOI inputs]