Kansas City Chiefs' Breakfast of Champions: Steak and Rice Favorite

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the upcoming Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles, their nutrition team is diligently working to ensure the players are ready and fueled for success.

Speaking to Us Weekly, Chiefs' head chef Erin Wishon revealed the types of foods players enjoy leading up to such an important match.

"What might catch people off guard is the amount of steak and rice we serve for breakfast," Wishon explained. "Some players consume two steaks, each being a 12-ounce filet, with rice in the morning. Occasionally, they have the same meal for lunch too."

Having worked closely with the players over an extended period, Wishon and her team have become intimately aware of individual preferences.

"We serve them three to four meals a day, most days of the week for more than half the year. We understand their specific tastes, whether it's a unique sauce or a preferred brand of vegan patty. Our goal is to replicate the comforts of home as closely as possible," she mentioned.

This Sunday, the Chiefs are set to clash with the Eagles at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans.

This event marks their second battle for the championship title in three years—their last encounter in Super Bowl LVII saw the Chiefs clinch victory with a 38-35 scoreline.

From a nutritional standpoint, Leslie Bonci, a dietitian who has collaborated with the Chiefs, shared with Business Insider that players are particularly fond of breakfast.

"Breakfast is unquestionably their top meal and always a hit," Bonci noted, adding that some even prefer breakfast items before a game begins.

Depending on their objectives, players consume different meals: "gaining plates" are crafted for muscle building, "trimming plates" aim at weight loss, and "healing plates" focus on recovery post-exercise. Yet, protein remains a staple in all dishes.

Tight end Travis Kelce, for example, has a daily intake nearing 4,000 calories, and his private chef, Kumar Ferguson, describes the player's diet as "healthy steakhouse fare," centered around "steaks, chops, chicken, and similar selections."

Optimal Breakfast Choices

Traditional breakfast ideas can vary widely between individuals, as LA-based sports dietitian Yasi Ansari explained to BI.

"Creating a meal that supports one's protein, carb, fat, and fluid needs is crucial to beginning the day focused and energized—with a preference for sourcing from whole foods," Ansari stated.

A full morning meal like steak and rice meets the high demands of athletes, fulfilling their protein, carbohydrate, and overall energy needs.

"Beef is typically a great source of protein, offering zinc, iron, and B complex vitamins like B-12 and B-6, which assist in red blood cell creation, energy generation, oxygen transport, and nervous system activity," Ansari highlighted. Furthermore, it supports muscle energy by providing creatine.

Nevertheless, elements such as genetics, digestive health, body goals, and physical activity affect daily protein requirements, as dietitian Kylene Bogden has mentioned in past discussions with BI.

Recent evidence points towards 0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight as the ideal for maximizing strength advancements.

Though protein content in chicken and beef is alike on a per-ounce basis, it varies by cut, Ansari noted.

"If beef is the preferred choice, I suggest picking leaner cuts. Those labeled with 'round' or 'loin' typically indicate lower fat content," she advised.

For a nutritionally sound breakfast, she recommends combining lean proteins with carbs from sources like potatoes, grains, or whole-grain breads, paired with fruits or vegetables for variety.