Mark Cuban reveals a rare egg white and clam wrap as his lunch for longevity
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Mark Cuban is known for his bold business moves. But his lunch – which he says helps boost protein and supports his longevity strategy – may be his most surprising choice yet.
The billionaire entrepreneur shared what he called “disgusting” but effective during a recent appearance on Robin Arzón’s “Project Swagger” podcast at South by Southwest earlier this month.
“I know this is going to sound bad … and disgusting,” Cuban, 67, admitted in an interview.
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He said this food made even his 16-year-old son run away from the kitchen.
The longtime “Shark Tank” investor said, when he makes lunch at home, he fills egg white wrappers with canned baby clams and drizzles them with honey.
Peloton Head Coach Robin Arzón, left, interviewed Mark Cuban at South by Southwest and asked what makes up his daily routine and workouts. (Rick Kern/Getty Images for Vox Media)
The Texas-based father of three said he had switched from vegetarian to vegan to boost his iron levels – and said the unusual combination was about fitness and nutrition.
Cuban said an egg white wrap contains about 50 calories and 11 grams of protein.
A serving of baby clams, on the other hand, adds about 80 calories and 14 grams of protein, as well as iron.
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He said honey makes food sweeter and provides a quick source of carbohydrates for energy.
He also pours honey on his breakfast, which is a simple bowl of cornflakes, he told Arzón.
Cuban said this diet is part of his focus on nutrition and longevity as he gets older. (Amanda Stronza/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images)
Cuban has a simple rule he applies to his diet, he added.
“My children are 16, 19 and 22 years old, and all their life growing up, I used to tell them the law of food,” he said with a laugh. “If you love one thing, and you love another thing, and you combine them, you’ll love it more.”
A startled Arzón replied, “I’m not sure many of us are.”
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Netizens agreed. “I’m tempted to try the clam thing [though] sounds awful,” one woman commented on YouTube after the video of the interview.
Another suggested that Cubans try clams the Italian way, with pasta, olive oil, garlic and lemon.
Cuban said he switched to a low-fat diet to help improve his iron levels. (Stock)
The odd lunch, however, is apparently in keeping with the broader Cuban philosophy of longevity.
In an interview, he said that aging has forced him to be more specific about how diet, exercise and supplements affect his body, and he specifically explained bulking as a post-workout protein boost.
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While the Cuban combination may sound strange, it’s not entirely, a nutritionist told Fox News Digital.
“Is it disgusting? Yes. Is there anything nutritionally wrong with it? No,” says Robin DeCicco, a certified nutritionist based in New York. “You’re right. Canned shellfish such as mussels, clams and oysters are some of the most absorbable iron and are high in protein.”
The billionaire businessman admitted that his lunch combo “sounds awful,” but said it helps boost protein and iron. (Photos by Nicola Gell)
He also pointed out that low-calorie, low-fat lean protein egg white wraps are “a solid choice.”
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But DeCicco noted there are a few caveats.
“One thing to watch out for with clams is sodium. If you eat them regularly, look for low-sodium or no-salt options,” he said.
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Honey also raised her eyebrows.
“You’re using it as a carbohydrate source, but it’s more likely to raise blood sugar than complex carbohydrates,” DeCicco said.
Cuban said his egg white wraps (not pictured) contain about 50 calories and 11 grams of protein. (Stock)
“You can use more dense carbs like whole grains, fruits or starchy vegetables,” he suggested.
Perhaps the biggest problem, according to DeCicco, is what’s missing from Cuba’s plate.
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“There’s not a single vegetable in this meal – or in his breakfast,” she said.
“Vegetables are important for fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, all of which are related to disease prevention, gut health and longevity.”
A food expert said the unusual food of the Cuban people may be strange but it has some benefits. There are also caveats, the expert said. (CFP/Getty Images)
DeCicco offered a simple fix to boost his “vile clamwich.”
He said “if you’re going to eat this, at least add something like lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts or broccoli for fiber.”
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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Cuban delegation for comment.
