Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun has long embraced a unique approach to nutrition. For the 26-year-old, traditional grocery stores have become a thing of the past. Instead, his focus is on following an ancestral diet—one that emphasizes whole foods, raw ingredients, and a connection to the land. This diet has become an integral part of his daily routine and performance on the ice.
The Shift to Ancestral Eating
Chychrun’s commitment to his ancestral diet began over two years ago and has evolved with new insights into nutrition. “It’s about eating seasonally and choosing the highest quality foods available,” Chychrun said in an interview. He avoids mass-produced foods, preferring to source his meals from local farmers and markets. For him, knowing where the food comes from is crucial, especially when it comes to avoiding processed ingredients that might be laden with chemicals or artificial substances.
“It’s trying to eat locally and seasonally while avoiding grocery store produce that may have been altered or treated,” he explained. “Having a connection to your food is really important.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Health
Chychrun’s interest in health and wellness dates back to his early teens. At 12 years old, he began to pay closer attention to nutrition, constantly staying informed about the latest research in the field. Over time, his diet has evolved in response to new findings and ideas about food.
“My diet is always changing,” Chychrun shared. “I try to keep my family in the loop about what’s best for their health, but it can be frustrating since it’s always shifting as new science emerges.”
As the research landscape changes, Chychrun adapts, aiming to optimize his health through diet while experimenting with what works best for him.
Organic and Seasonal Eating
Chychrun’s meals are rooted in organic foods, ranging from fresh proteins to fruits and vegetables. He and his wife regularly visit local farmers’ markets and order food from Amish farms, prioritizing quality and sustainability.
He draws inspiration from the Amish lifestyle, which revolves around seasonal eating. “They eat what they can grow in the summer, and in the winter, it’s a more high-fat diet,” Chychrun noted. “I try to emulate that seasonal approach to eating.”
Key to his diet are fresh, raw ingredients like milk, honey, dates, and various types of meat, such as lamb, beef, chicken, wild-caught fish, and oysters. These provide a variety of nutrients that Chychrun believes are essential to maintaining his health and performance.
Raw and Unconventional Foods
Chychrun is particularly fond of raw foods, including raw milk, honey, and even organs. He regularly consumes raw heart and liver, which he believes are packed with nutrients. “The heart actually tastes pretty good—it’s like raw muscle meat,” Chychrun remarked. “But the liver? Not so much.”
Despite the unconventional nature of his diet, Chychrun finds these foods to be essential for maintaining his energy levels.
A Healthier Take on Treats
One surprising aspect of Chychrun’s diet is his love for ice cream. However, this isn’t just any store-bought treat. Chychrun makes his own version, using raw dairy, egg yolks, and natural sweeteners like dates and raw honey.
“I make ice cream all the time. It’s super nutrient-dense, with no sugar other than from the dates and maybe a bit of maple syrup,” he explained. “It’s a much healthier alternative to store-bought ice cream, which is full of artificial ingredients and refined sugars.”
The Benefits of Eating Clean
For Chychrun, the benefits of clean eating extend beyond performance; it’s also about feeling good. He noticed that when he strays from his diet and eats processed foods, his energy levels dip and his gut feels off. “The cleaner you eat, the better you feel. When I go back to processed foods, it’s a noticeable difference,” he shared.
Having adopted this way of eating for a while, Chychrun has experienced a significant improvement in how he feels, both physically and mentally.
Recreating Favorite Foods
Though Chychrun no longer indulges in traditional junk food, he has found ways to recreate his favorite treats using healthier, organic ingredients. For instance, he used to enjoy Snickers bars on the golf course, but now his wife makes a healthier version using dates, nut butter, dark chocolate, and sea salt.
“I don’t even miss the old version anymore. My wife’s homemade snack is way better,” Chychrun said.
A New Perspective in the Locker Room
Chychrun’s dietary habits have sparked curiosity among his teammates, including Pierre-Luc Dubois, who admits that he learns something new about Chychrun’s eating routine every day. “I’m learning more and more every day. It’s definitely interesting,” Dubois said.
Chychrun’s focus on nutrition and wellness has helped him maintain strength, stamina, and recovery, all of which are crucial for his performance on the ice. “I’ve always been into nutrition and wellness. It’s a constant evolution, and I just try to adapt to what works best for me,” Chychrun concluded.
Conclusion
Jakob Chychrun’s commitment to his ancestral diet has transformed his approach to nutrition, performance, and overall well-being. By prioritizing organic, seasonal, and raw foods, he has developed a routine that fuels his body in the healthiest way possible. His journey highlights the power of personalized nutrition and its positive effects on athletic performance and daily life.
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