When we think of the physical condition professional athletes have to maintain, we tend to think of them as having extremely strict diets. While that is often the case and certainly helps contribute to their success, it doesn’t mean star athletes don’t enjoy junk food every so often just like the rest of us. In fact, some of them even like to indulge on game day.

In his guest column about healthy habits on iVillage.com, Kobe Bryant offered readers some tips about maintaining a healthy lifestyle while also squeezing in a funny tidbit about his 81-point performance back in 2008.

“I only started really focusing on my nutrition a few years ago,” Bryant wrote. “I started experiencing low energy and was feeling bloated. Then it hit me: ‘Kobe you’re not 25 anymore’ (I once had pepperoni pizza before scoring 81 points).”

And the secret is officially out. Pepperoni pizza sales can expect a steady increase once children discover this news. Time to buy stock in Pizza Hut.

Kobe’s point is that the young guys can get away with abusing their bodies with food and still bounce back quickly. Justin Verlander says a certain fast food restaurant is his key to success the night before starts and we have all read about Tim Lincecum’s insane order at In-N-Out Burger. Rather than sitting like a rock in the 27-year-old Bryant’s stomach, pepperoni pizza provided him with the fuel he needed on that magical night four years ago. I’ve heard stranger.

H/T Ball Don’t Lie
Photo credit: Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE

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