- Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson has switched from burger buns to lettuce wraps.
- Thompson made the switch during the pandemic in an effort to stay fit and prevent injury.
- He's dealt with nagging injuries that have kept him off the basketball court for the last two years.
Klay Thompson has been cleared to return to the basketball court for the first time since the 2019 NBA Finals after missing the last two seasons to injury. But the 31-year-old point guard's journey back to game action for the Golden State Warriors has required some lifestyle changes along the way, including swapping out one of his favorite foods: burgers.
Thompson said he only eats burgers with lettuce wraps now, and has cut the burger buns out of his diet, in an interview with GQ.
"I try to keep lunch lighter with a lot of greens and a source of protein," Thompson said. "I have to cut out a lot of fun stuff, so no more burgers, no more fries. These days it's probably a lettuce wrap burger with a salad."
Thompson said he's trying to be more careful with his diet as he ages — since he turned 30, he's noticed a marked change in how much his diet affects his physical performance.
His diet changes were also spurred by the injuries he's sustained during the pandemic. In March 2020, he suffered an ACL tear in his left knee during the playoffs. Then, he tore his right Achilles in November 2020 during a pick-up game.
"Going through rehab I didn't want to have a fatty diet with lots of sugar, bread, carbohydrates—all the good stuff," Thompson told GQ.
Thompson said he still eats carbs, but he tries to get them from plant-based sources like potatoes instead of bread.
Burger buns and breads are refined carbohydrates, which cause inflammation
Burger buns, most breads, and anything made with white flour are refined carbohydrates.
Eating refined carbohydrates can increase inflammation in the body, which can, in turn, increase the risk of injury and slow down recovery. Our bodies do need some inflammation, but chronic inflammation is linked to dangerous health conditions like certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma.
Replacing breads with leafy greens, like Thompson does by wrapping his burgers in lettuce instead of buns, also comes with more vitamins and nutrients, like fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium.