A fitness CEO has revealed he’s stuck to an almost identical set of meals for decades, saying it helps him sidestep an issue many people deal with daily.
For the past 22 years, Luke Carlson has eaten essentially the same foods every day.
Carlson, 46, who leads fitness company Discover Strength, starts each morning with a repeatable breakfast: porridge topped with banana, protein powder, and creatine, followed by a protein bar.
Lunch is just as consistent. He typically opts for a turkey or chicken sandwich, keeping the choice simple and familiar.
In total, he says he targets roughly 1,900 to 2,200 calories per day. Dinner is where he allows himself the most flexibility, usually selecting from a short list that commonly includes chicken, salmon, or steak.
He says he’s maintained this approach since he was 24—and that the structure is designed to help him avoid a specific mental drain.
That issue is “decision fatigue,” a phenomenon where constant choices can wear down your ability to think clearly and make good calls.
It can show up in everyday situations—like endlessly scrolling for something to watch on Netflix or putting off deciding what to eat for dinner.
The idea behind Carlson’s routine is straightforward: by removing small, repeated decisions—such as what to eat or other daily preferences—you conserve mental energy for choices that matter more.
“It is how I avoid decision fatigue; I dial in on the macro-nutrients that I need while staying in an appropriate calorie range,” said Luke.
Other high-profile figures have leaned on similar tactics, including Barack Obama, who limited his suits to two colors, and Mark Zuckerberg, who became associated with wearing plain T-shirts.
He added: “I have done this since I was 24 and I found a routine that worked well with me. I don’t get bored, as I get a little variety.
“I learned about ten years ago when my travel really ramped up, if I snacked on flights and really indulged at restaurants while on the road, I would gain weight and fat. Being disciplined with my nutrition during business travel is important.”
Even though his shortlist of foods is narrow, Carlson says the repeatability brings tangible benefits—especially with a schedule that keeps him constantly moving.
“I look forward to the foods,” he said. “I like them and they are nutritious; I can find or pack these foods during travel, and I travel pretty much every week of the year.”
He also shared more details about his lunchtime rules and the items he typically pairs with his sandwich.
Luke said: “Every day for lunch I eat a turkey or chicken sandwich (I love a sandwich from Trader Joe’s or Tatte when I’m on the east coast). I will have a small dark skim mocha with no whip, a protein shake and an apple.
“People close to me understand that these are my non-negotiables – but I don’t want to ruin or negatively impact other people’s experiences. So, I’m happy to pack my own food or pick restaurants that they would enjoy while I can still find something that meets my needs.”