Did you ever wonder what CEOs eat? You may be surprised to learn that their dietary habits are similar to yours and others. They follow fads, eat what they enjoy, or consume food when time permits.
Specific Examples
Arianna Huffington, the founder of Thrive Global, enjoys her coffee and practices a Mediterranean diet that significantly consumes fish and vegetables.
The late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs liked experimenting with different dietary fads, such as veganism and fruitarianism. At one stage, he engaged in fruit-only systemic cleanses.
Not all well-known CEOs consider health value when making dietary choices. Warren Buffet is noted for enjoying Cherry Coke and routinely visiting fast food joints like McDonald’s.
Former Twitter boss Jack Dorsey adheres to veganism and partakes in intermittent fasting.
Renato Limited Chief Kaiser Kabir, a native of Bangladesh, also believes in the benefits of intermittent fasting. He periodically fasts for two or three days each week. Sometimes, his breaks from food continue for as long as 20 hours. On other occasions, they may last up to 40 hours.
“My diet consists of several servings of vegetables, a modest amount of protein, and a small quantity of rice,” he said. “It should be mentioned that in my home, rice is prepared in a way that reduces the digestibility of carbohydrates by 50 percent. Essentially, the two-step process involves discarding starch after boiling rice and refrigerating cooked rice for 24 hours.”
Hussain M. Elius is also a proponent of intermittent fasting. The CEO of Pathao sometimes avoids eating for 14-23 hours.
“I like doing it because you know, it’s easier to not eat anything than choosing what to eat,” he said.
Ejaj Ahmad, Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center founder, adheres to a pescatarian diet made up of fish and following vegan principles. He completely avoids processed and fried foods and sugar-laden beverages.
“This dietary choice, which I’ve maintained for the last 12 years, fuels me with energy and promotes good health,” Ahmad added.
Eating Mindfully or Quickly?
Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, starts his day with a Mars candy bar. He believes this dietary choice meets his fast-paced lifestyle and provides a quick energy boost.
Ahmad takes a more mindful approach, emphasizing timing and content.
“Early dinners and post-meal walks are routine to keep sugar levels down given my family history of diabetes,” Ahmad said. “While traveling, I carry snacks like carrots or nuts to minimize reliance on eating out.”
Eating at the Table
For many CEOs, meals, especially lunches and dinners, serve as chances to expand their businesses, build relationships, and strengthen bonds. Others opine that meals are simply meals and do not provide any specific social opportunity.
Food Philosophy and Leadership
A CEO’s nutritional practices do not necessarily correlate to their successes. These examples offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who play a significant role in the functioning of the world economy. However, food choices provide a clue into their value systems and philosophies toward life in general.
Steve Jobs, for instance, saw food as an experiment, much like his approach to innovation. Warren Buffet’s enjoyment of fast food and Cherry Coke could reflect his grounded, everyman persona despite his immense wealth. On the other hand, Jack Dorsey and Kaiser Kabir’s commitment to intermittent fasting and veganism indicates a disciplined and health-conscious approach to life, which may parallel their work ethic and leadership style.
Elon Musk’s preference for quick, energy-boosting snacks fits his high-energy, always-on-the-go lifestyle, showcasing how even the most powerful business leaders prioritize convenience in their diet. Meanwhile, Ejaj Ahmad’s pescatarian diet and careful meal planning reveal a focus on long-term health and energy, underscoring his commitment to sustainability and mindfulness.
In conclusion, while CEOs’ food choices are diverse and varied, they often mirror their personal philosophies and professional approaches. Whether it’s adhering to a strict dietary regimen or indulging in simple pleasures, these leaders’ eating habits offer fascinating insights into their lives beyond the boardroom.
