We all want to know the secrets of great athletes. The way they can defy gravity and the limits of the human body are impressive and inspiring, and we want to experience that level of greatness. We look for a magic bullet, an easy way to be as healthy and amazing as most pro athletes seem.

But the truth is often simple and straight forward: what you eat determines how you feel and how well you perform.

Champion tennis player Novak Djokovic credits his prowess and success to switching to a healthier diet. A few years ago he stopped eating gluten and dairy, and began severely limiting his sugar intake. Over the course of a year and a half, he shifted from severe health problems that caused him to occasionally collapse on the court to feeling healthier and playing better than ever before.

Djokovic published a book in 2013 in which he details his diet plan and other ingredients in his recipe for success. This Novak diet is similar to our suggestions here at MHLC, so we thought we would share his insights with you.

As mention above, Djokovic advocates cutting out all gluten and dairy. He still eats a fair amount of whole grain foods that are free of gluten. His diet includes vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, fish, and healthy oils. He severely limits his sugar intake, famously having only one bite of chocolate after winning the Australian Open in 2012.

Like most healthy, sustainable diets, his meals are built around fresh vegetables and fruit. He has some cooked grains and protein, but each meal has some living foods as well.

Djokovics food is organic whenever possible. He practices mindfulness around food, saying a prayer before each meal and avoiding distractions while he eats. He also stretches each morning and engages in Yoga and Tai Chi often. And he drinks plenty of water, first thing in the morning and throughout the day.

So thats it. No magic bullet. His secret to success is a strong commitment to health, which manifests as the dedication to make healthy eating choices every day. Djokovics health and career success are important enough to him to inspire great care about what he eats.

Even if we never become world-champion competitive athletes, we can all benefit from a healthy diet. A few simple shifts could mean the difference between just slugging along and actually thriving. Perhaps the advice of Novak Djokovic can help you find the champion waiting inside yourself.