Does running a company that generates hundreds of billions of won in revenue require the "grit strategy" of eating the same food every day? The case of one CEO who has not changed his diet even once in over two decades is drawing renewed attention.
Same Diet for 22 Years... "A Strategy to Reduce Decision Fatigue"
According to recent foreign media reports from The Mirror and Business Insider, Luke Carlson, 46, who leads the fitness company Discover Strength, has maintained the same diet for 22 years, managing both his physical condition and work efficiency at the same time.
According to Growjo, a data firm tracking startups and private companies, the company's annual revenue stands at approximately $37 million (about 54.5 billion won). Carlson cites "eating habits that reduce decision fatigue" as the background behind such performance.
Carlson's daily diet is relatively simple.
For breakfast, he mixes oatmeal with banana, protein powder, and creatine, and adds a protein bar. Lunch consists of a chicken breast or turkey sandwich with an apple and a protein shake. For dinner, he chooses one of three options: chicken, steak, or salmon.
"Instead of worrying about my diet for 10 or 20 years down the road, I focus on the nutrients and calories I need right now," he said. "The biggest advantage is not having to think about what to eat."
His daily caloric intake is reportedly kept consistent at 1,900 to 2,200 kcal.
This approach is seen as similar to the strategy employed by figures such as Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, and Barack Obama, who minimize everyday choices to focus on important decisions.
Nutritionally Designed "Routine Diet"... Considering Blood Sugar, Muscle, and Satiety
Carlson's diet is simple but nutritionally calculated in its composition.
Oatmeal is a representative low-glycemic-index food that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, while bananas serve as a quickly usable energy source. Protein powder is considered a component that contributes to muscle synthesis and maintaining satiety.
Chicken and turkey, the core of his lunch menu, are low in fat and high in protein, making them favorable ingredients for weight management. Whole-grain bread suppresses blood sugar spikes, and apples, rich in dietary fiber, help moderate post-meal blood sugar increases.
Salmon, chosen as a dinner option, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health, while steak serves as a source of iron and vitamin B12, aiding metabolism.
"These foods are delicious and nutritious enough," Carlson explained. "I travel often for business, but I can easily find or prepare them anywhere."
"It's Not Boring"... Why He Even Simplifies His Wardrobe
Carlson maintains a simplified lifestyle that extends beyond his diet to his clothing. He repeatedly wears Lululemon pants and tops with white shoes, minimizing his range of choices.
"The lunch sandwich is an unbreakable rule for me," he said. "The people around me understand this." He added, "To avoid disrupting other people's experiences, I either prepare my own food or choose restaurants where I can select from the menu."
Regarding this routine, he emphasized, "A consistent diet not only provides energy but also reduces the decisions I have to make every day. Thanks to that, I can channel my creativity and focus into my business."
