Wests Tigers winger Kevin Naiqama on the diet that has him ripped ahead of NRL season
IF you want a body like Kevin Naiqama, eat salmon, avocados and spinach and ditch the grog. That’s the advice of the Wests Tigers winger himself.
IF you want a ripped body like Wests Tigers winger Kevin Naiqama, eat salmon, avocados and spinach and ditch the grog.
That’s the message from Naiqama, who has lifted the lid on the raw-based diet that has seen him shed four kilos and add significant lean muscle this summer.
As evidence through images captured by the Tigers’ media team, the Fijian flyer is in prime condition heading into the 2017 NRL season.
Naiqama told The Sunday Telegraph the secret to his success was simple.
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“I’ve just trimmed down on my eating,” Naiqama said. “I really wanted to increase my speed this year, so I’ve been eating more of the raw stuff, like salmon, avocado and spinach.
“I’ve been trying to eat that as much as I can and it’s trimming my weight.
“I just felt like I had lost a bit of speed, so I spoke to the trainers here and said I want that to be a big emphasis for me and it has been working well.
“I feel like I’m moving around a lot better and now it’s just maintaining it and finding the balance so I don’t fluctuate with my weight.”
In addition to eating more raw-based foods, Naiqama has reduced his consumption of carbohydrates. He used to have carbs three times a week, but has cut it down to once in a bid to shed unwanted weight.
Naiqama also doesn’t drink during the season, a tradition the flyer has upheld since he started at the Tigers in 2015.
“My last drink was New Years and I won’t drink again until we get knocked out of the comp,” he said. “Ever since I’ve been at the Tigers I’ve always done that, so this will be my third year.
“I was a bit of a journeyman coming through at the Knights and Penrith and the alcohol sort of set me back.
“Other players can handle it, but for me I found it prolongs my recovery from games. But cutting it out when we are training and playing has made a massive difference.”
Now tanked and toned, Naiqama has his sights set on starring for the Tigers at next weekend’s Auckland Nines tournament.
“It is always a fun weekend,” he said. “All the boys are just looking forward to playing footy again. It has been a tough three months of training, so I can’t wait to get out there.”
Originally published as Wests Tigers winger Kevin Naiqama on the diet that has him ripped ahead of NRL season