The secret of Lakshya Sen’s success is home-cooked food! Know his diet
Shuttler Lakshya Sen’s success at the Paris Olympics 2024 is partly attributed to his planned diet, which includes home-cooked food made by his mother. Despite losing in the semi-finals to Viktor Axelsen, Sen remains in contention for a bronze medal, with his nutrition playing a key role in his performance. Read on to find out what he eats in a day to keep himself energised.

The secret of Lakshya Sen’s success is home-cooked food! Know his diet (Photo Credit: iStock)
Indian Badminton Star Lakshya SenJourney to the semi-finals paris olympics 2024 Sen’s performance has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite a tough loss to Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen in the men’s singles semi-finals, Sen remains in contention for the bronze medal, taking on Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia on August 5. Apart from his skill and determination on the court, one key element of his performance that keeps him fit and energetic on the field is his diet. His diet mostly consists of home-cooked food cooked by his mother which helps him perform better in matches.
During his Olympic journey, Sen’s family has played a key role in maintaining his diet regime. His parents, Nirmala and Dhirendra Kumar, have been present in Paris along with his brother Chirag to ensure he gets the same nutritious food he eats at his home in Bengaluru. The family, who live in an apartment near the Porte de la Chapelle Arena, prepares and delivers meals daily, giving Lakshya the comfort of eating home-cooked food.
The diet is planned and executed by her mother Nirmala, and includes a variety of recipes that are tailored to Sen’s nutritionist’s guidance. Interestingly, the meals are not just traditional Indian dishes; they also include dishes like mildly spiced chicken noodle soup, chicken steak, and pasta with chicken, which are carefully prepared keeping her nutritional requirements in mind.
Lakshya Sen’s diet during Paris Olympics
Sen’s diet is structured around moderate meals 6-7 times a day, with an emphasis on a balanced intake of proteins, carbohydrates and vegetables. “Lunch is noodle soup, chicken and vegetables cooked in stock. Sometimes, it was chicken steak and sometimes pasta with chicken,” Sen told the media during an interaction. The meals are prepared to provide the necessary nutrients, while avoiding processed and packaged foods, following the advice of her nutritionist.
For breakfast, especially on early training days, Sane starts with a fruit smoothie with oatmeal or almond milk and nuts, followed by a regular breakfast and protein shake after training. He has 3-4 moderate meals in the afternoon.
Sen’s high metabolism requires him to maintain a calorie intake equal to the energy expended during his rigorous training sessions. “My metabolism is very fast. So, even if I eat a little more, I won’t gain weight. But, for me, it’s important to keep eating. If I don’t eat and still train very intensely, I lose weight,” he explains. This careful balance is important not only for maintaining his energy levels but also for injury prevention.
To support his intense training schedule, Sane incorporates protein shakes and supplements into his diet. His physio regularly monitors his hydration, ensuring he stays well-hydrated, which is crucial for recovery and overall performance. He avoids processed foods and prefers fresh, nutrient-rich options, which are crucial for maintaining optimal health and athletic performance.
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