A Curious Meal Choice

Billionaire Mark Cuban, known for his daring business ventures, recently made a dietary confession that has even driven his 16-year-old son out of the kitchen. During a guest appearance on Robin Arzón’s podcast “Project Swagger” at South by Southwest, Cuban described a rather unconventional three-ingredient meal that he admitted was “disgusting” yet effective for his protein intake.

Once a vegetarian advocating for longevity, Cuban has since transitioned to a pescatarian diet to increase his iron levels. He shared his unique lunchtime recipe on the podcast: “It’s going to sound so gross, and it is disgusting,” the 67-year-old stated. “I make these egg white wraps and, to boost my iron, I add baby clams.”

To mask what he calls the “gross” taste, he adds honey, prompting audible reactions from the audience. Cuban insists that this unusual meal not only satisfies his protein needs but aligns with his goals for a youthful feeling.

He elaborated on the preparation: “The worst part is that the clams come in a can, soaked in water. When you open it, the clam juice goes everywhere if you’re not careful. If it touches the wrap, it ruins it, and then I can’t add the honey.”

Despite the reactions to his “clamwich,” health experts note that the meal is nutritionally sound. Robin DeCicco, a holistic nutritionist, confirmed that canned shellfish like clams are rich in absorbable iron and protein.

The egg white wraps contain approximately 50 calories and 11 grams of protein, while a can of clams packs around 80 calories and 14 grams of protein. Together, they provide a solid post-workout protein boost. However, DeCicco did mention that some canned clams have high sodium levels, and using honey could spike blood sugar compared to complex carbohydrates.

There’s also the concern of missing vegetables, deemed vital for fiber and overall health. Cuban shared a philosophy with his three sons: “If you like one thing and you like another, putting them together makes it even better.”

His regular breakfast is more typical, featuring a bowl of cornflakes topped with honey and apricots for added fuel and iron. Still, the clam-and-egg wrap fits into his broader goal of longevity since he’s become more mindful as he ages regarding food, workouts, and supplements.

Cuban explained, “As you get older, your body reacts differently to everything—be it workouts, food, or supplements.” In his anti-aging documentary “Longevity Hackers,” he outlined his three major tips for youthful living, highlighting the importance of walking more, which he believes has kept him more active than he was years ago.

He maintains a regular gym schedule, typically spending between 45 to 90 minutes exercising, incorporating high-intensity interval training alongside endurance running and functional strength exercises. To supplement his diet, he takes vitamin D for calcium absorption and vitamin E to boost his immune system and reduce inflammation.

At night, Cuban also uses melatonin to help regulate his sleep cycle, aiming for a well-rounded approach to health and longevity.