Caroline Farrell has given her expertise on Luke Littler’s unconventional diet he ate to prepare for the World Darts Championship
A nutrition expert has weighed in on the diet consumed by new darts superstar Luke Littler, after he divulged his food routine as he prepared for the World Darts Championships. The 16-year-old has also become known for being a fan of a kebab, which lead holiday operator On the Beach Holidays offering him a job as a ‘kebab taste tester’ in Turkey.
In a post-match interview, Luke admitted his diet to prepare for the tournament included a fair amount of stodgy foods. He said: “I’ll keep what I’ve been doing – in the morning I will have a ham and cheese omelette, then a pizza for lunch. That’s what I’ve done every day.”
The darts superstar also confessed that his favourite meal, and how he celebrates a win, is a jam-packed kebab. Although Luke’s diet appeared to get him to the final, there were no signs of fruit or veg. A nutritionist spoke to the Daily Star, giving an expert insight into what his diet could mean for his future health and his darts skills.
His diet racks up to around 3,300 calories a day, which is slightly over what should be the maximum intake for a teen. Caroline Farrell, a registered nutritionist and sports nutrition lecturer, told the Daily Star: “A sustained lack of proper nutrition may impair recovery, increase the risk of injuries, and limit the athlete’s ability to perform at their best over the long term.
“Young athletes may have higher energy needs, but the quality of those calories still matters. Also, teaching children about balanced nutrition, making mindful food choices, and understanding the importance of fuelling their bodies for activity sets the stage for long-term health.”
The expert pointed out that Luke’s diet appeared to be low in complex carbohydrates, which are “important for sustained energy levels during a match”. She also warned that eating a diet which is high in fats and low in nutrients could lead to long-term health issues, such as weight gain and cardiovascular problems.
Long term effects include:
Low in essential vitamins and minerals found in a diverse range of foods which are crucial for overall health and optimal athletic performance
High in saturated fats which may contribute to cardiovascular health issues, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Lacks fibre, which is essential for digestive health
Now, according to the NHS, the estimated average calorie intake for a 16-year-old boy is 12,400kJ or 2,964kcal. The site also pointed out that the diet of a teen should be healthy and balanced.
A healthy, balanced diet for teenagers should include:
At least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day
Meals based on starchy foods, such as potatoes, bread, pasta and rice – choose wholegrain varieties when possible
Some milk and dairy products or alternatives – choose low-fat options where you can
Some foods that are good sources of protein – such as meat, fish, eggs, beans and lentils
If Luke’s diet comes to a predicted 3,300, he’s currently consuming over 400 calories more than he should. Caroline explained: “An average ham and cheese omelette made with two eggs, ham, and cheese might contain around 300-400 calories.
“An average, a slice of plain cheese pizza (one-eighth) typically contains around 200 to 300 calories (or 2,400 a pizza). A typical chicken or beef kebab may contain around 300-500 calories.”
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