Shaq has always been vocal about his love for food. Whether it’s indulging in his favorite fried chicken, devouring pizza, or his infamous love for cheeseburgers, Shaq has never shied away from showcasing his hearty appetite. But now, as the 7’1″ NBA legend’s eating habits come under scrutiny from former rival and friend Alonzo Mourning, the conversation has shifted from playful banter to concerns around unhealthy diets, leading Shaq to even reconsider consuming one of his favorite brands.
In a recent episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” Mourning, who himself underwent a life-altering kidney transplant in 2003, voiced his apprehension about O’Neal’s dietary choices. Co-host of the show Adam Lefkoe had asked the seven-footer to tell Mourning about his daily diet. “I’m a creature of habit, right? So this morning I had sausage egg and cheese omelet,” said O’Neal. As soon as Mouning heard this, he started shaking his head in disbelief. However, this wasn’t all.
Earlier in the podcast, the seven-footer had also revealed that he takes green tea with two scoops of sugar, does a Subway Turkey sandwich with extra mayo for lunch, and lemon oreos were a favorite snack. Listening to all this, Alonzo, who says it is “awful,” had no choice but to give O’Neal some advice about healthy alternatives.
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“Let’s switch it up. I’m fine with you having the omelet but get you some plant-based cheese and you can do plant-based sausage. They have plant-based sausage, go to Whole Foods and get it,” advised Alonzo, who is committed to raising awareness about kidney diseases and promoting a healthy lifestyle. “Find healthier options,” he added, advising to look at the ingredients.
Shaq even agreed to cooperate, saying, “tell me something you want me to stop doing it, and I will stop doing it.” First thing on Alonzo’s list? Dairy. Shaq was good with the suggestion for a second until he remembered he would need milk with Frosted Flakes — a product of a Kellogg (worth $15.2 billion) that he had also partnered with. “Damn frosted flakes, I want to apologize to you. Frosted Flakes, I am going to miss you,” he said.
Maybe Shaq is serious about considering the suggestions, given his own health challenges, leading to a public weight loss journey and necessary medical interventions.
The four-time NBA champion previously admitted to undergoing blood work and medical evaluations after he gained noticeable weight. He revealed the results to have shown real concerns, including low iron and unhealthy dietary routine. To tackle this problem, he indulged in a workout routine and a proper diet. The Lakers icon even devised a strategy that is 20 minutes of cardio to help in blood flow, then specific workouts for the back, triceps, biceps, and chest, as well as sit-ups and also increased vegetable count in his diet that ultimately helped him to lose 60 pounds last year.
Interestingly, one of the motivations behind O’Neal to lose his weight was that he didn’t want to have a body like Charles Barkley’s. “I was looking at myself and I had that Charles Barkley retirement body. I didn’t want my stomach to be over the belt anymore. So I was just like, ‘Let me go ahead and get slim.” said O’Neal in a podcast with Logan Paul. But now it seems like, Big Diesel has again lost his focus, but sure considering to get back at it.
For fans, the exchange between the two legends was a blend of humor and heart. While Shaq brushed off some comments with his trademark humor, it’s clear that Mourning’s words struck a chord. However, did you know how Mourning coped with his kidney disease?
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How Alonzo Mourning Rebounded from Kidney Disease
Mourning was drafted second overall in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. Known for his relentless shot-blocking, he averaged 17.1 PPG and 8.5 RPG in his career. However, his remarkable career was in the path of numerous obstacles including his 2003 kidney transplant issue.
Mourning’s condition, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), was discovered during routine medical tests after he faced some problems during the Olympic games. “I had to travel back and forth [between Sydney and home] because I promised my wife at the time that I’d be back for the birth of my daughter, and [while flying] I noticed that I had some nephritis — some swelling in my legs,” said Mourning as per Healthline.
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However, before everything went south, the former champ was able to find a donor at the correct time. “The beauty of it is that I had a living related donor; my second cousin (my grandmother’s brother’s son) is the one who donated his kidney to basically safe my life,” said Mourning as per Healthline.
This timely transplant might have saved Mourning that time, but he again fell victim to prostate cancer in 2002. But an early screening helped him to get a new life once again. The NBA veteran now focuses on his health by maintaining a fully plant-based diet and drinking a good amount of water. He nudges for Shaq to adapt to some of it.
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