Armaan Bhatia’s Secret to Success in Pickleball, maintaining peak performance through diet and lifestyle. The 25-year-old Mumbai native reveals his approach to intermittent fasting, his favorite cheat treats, and top food spots in Mumbai, offering a glimpse into how he balances athletic discipline with his love for good food. As pickleball sweeps India, he stands at the forefront of the sport, thrilling fans with his rapid ascent and powerful play on the global stage.
A Sporting Legacy and Path to Pickleball Stardom
Coming from a family steeped in sports, Armaan Bhatia’s journey into pickleball feels like destiny. His grandfather played cricket for Mumbai at the Ranji level, his uncle represented India and Hong Kong in tennis, and his parents excelled in badminton at state and national levels.
Yet, pickleball only entered Armaan Bhatia’s life during the pandemic in 2020 when he picked it up at Khar Gymkhana in Mumbai. By 2023, his casual pastime transformed into a professional pursuit, leading him to dominate at the first flagship pickleball event in New Delhi this year.
Armaan Bhatia’s Daily Fuel: The Power of Fasting and Protein
To stay at the top of his game, Armaan Bhatia swears by a strict dietary regimen grounded in intermittent fasting. Starting his day around 6 am, he fasts for 16 to 18 hours, eating only between noon and 6 pm.
His meals are protein-focused, favoring grilled dishes, especially chicken, and he keeps his diet free of gravies and sugars—even passing up Delhi’s famous butter chicken. “I feel less sore and recover faster with a higher protein intake.” he says, attributing his quicker recovery times to this disciplined eating approach.
Cheat Days and Culinary Indulgences
On cheat days, Armaan Bhatia admits he can’t resist sweets, particularly chocolate treats like Chantilly Nutella Brookies.
When it comes to dining out, Armaan Bhatia has his favorite spots in Mumbai, including House of Mandarin in Bandra, Lyla in BKC, and Ming Yang. His palate leans towards Asian and Mexican cuisine, with a special affinity for Chinese and Mexican dishes.
The Role of Nutrition in Recovery and Performance
Armaan Bhatia emphasizes the critical role nutrition plays in his performance, not just on pickleball court but mentally and physically. Prioritizing sleep to curb cravings, he advises those looking to improve their diet to rest well.
After matches, Armaan Bhatia replenishes his muscles with protein-rich meals, primarily through lean meats. While he enjoys a range of flavors, he admits he’s cautious with international dishes when traveling, focusing on consistency to avoid any risk of illness.
Favorite Home-Cooked Comfort
Even with his strict diet, Armaan Bhatia has a soft spot for his mother’s homemade chicken biryani, a comfort dish from his childhood. Unlike meals prepared for special occasions, this is a regular family staple that brings him joy and a taste of home.
News in Brief: Armaan Bhatia’s Secret to Success in Pickleball
Pickleball champion Armaan Bhatia, India’s top-ranked pickleball player, shares his fitness and diet secrets in an exclusive interview. He has quickly risen to the sport’s elite, adheres to a strict intermittent fasting schedule, focusing on protein-heavy meals and avoiding sugar.
On cheat days, he indulges in chocolate, with favorites like Chantilly Nutella Brookies. His diet strategy, combined with rest, aids his recovery and performance on the court. Though he travels internationally for matches, he keeps his diet simple, favoring home-cooked staples like his mother’s chicken biryani for comfort.
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