Ethan Chislett: The unusual diet fuelling Kaizer Chiefs playmaker

Kaizer Chiefs might have been going through a tough period but there is some hope of better days after the emergence of Ethan Chislett.

Chislett finally made his long-awaited debut in late February when he was given 70 minutes against Stellenbosch FC, a game Chiefs lost 2-1.

The playmaker had waited for seven months before making his debut for the club, having signed before the start of the season and he was impressive on the day with his great vision, creating chances for his teammates although none was converted.

So good on the ball, and not afraid to shoot and work in tight spaces, Chislett made a great impression on fans and he would start the next two games against Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay, games Chiefs lost.

Ethan Chislett’s unique eating habit  

However, he showed glimpses of his qualities and there is hope that with enough minutes in his legs, he can unleash his full potential.

What fans do not know, however, is that Chislett has a unique approach to nutrition which fuels him on and off the pitch.

The Durban-born midfielder recently revealed how he eats one meal a day, something unusual for footballers who need lots of energy to deal with rigours of sport.

“I don’t normally eat too much during the day. I don’t like it,” Chislett revealed on his personal vlog. “There’s been a lot of studies saying intermittent fasting is very, very good for you, so I try to do what is known as OMAD.”

OMAD (One Meal A Day), what Chislett calls ‘strict fasting diet,’ is an intense form of intermittent fasting that limits eating to a single meal per day and for some people, it helps in accelerating weight loss through a sustained calorie deficit.

What does Chiefs star prefer on matchdays?

It also promotes fat burning, improves insulin sensitivity, triggers cellular cleaning and simplifies daily routine by reducing food prep time.

For footballers like Chislett, it is a bit unusual given most of them prefer to eat multiple times a day but in small positions that fuel their bodies for the physical demands of being a professional player.

However, Chislett admits his routine changes on matchday with an emphasis on whole foods.

“I know many people would wonder what my pre-match foods, or meal is…maybe a little bit of pasta, some fruits but just keep it nice and simple. I don’t like to feel heavy during the game,” he added.

Chiefs fans will be hoping that this approach keeps Chislett well replenished for the final two months of the season as they push for third place which will see them qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.