I dropped out of school to play poker, and at 21, I moved from

"I dropped out of school to play poker, and at 21, I moved from Toronto to try my luck as a pro in Vegas. I ate the typical meat-heavy diet of most poker players in the '90s: burgers and steak, along with French fries, mash, and a bucket-load of wine, beer, and vodka. There was nothing fresh in my diet, and I felt terrible." These words, spoken by the famous poker player Daniel Negreanu, speak to a fundamental truth about the way we nourish ourselves, both in body and spirit. In his early days, Negreanu was living a life of indulgence—choosing a diet that was quick, convenient, and satisfying in the moment. But it was a life that, like the hands of a poorly played poker game, lacked balance and long-term strategy. The result was a sense of discomfort and self-doubt, a feeling of being adrift and disconnected from the vitality that he longed for.

In the ancient world, there was a deep understanding that how one nourished the body affected the strength of the mind. Hippocrates, often considered the father of modern medicine, wrote, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." He knew, long before modern science confirmed it, that the food we consume shapes not only our physical strength but also our mental clarity. The great philosophers of Greece, though devoted to their intellects, were just as devoted to maintaining their physical well-being. The Stoics, like Seneca, understood that a clear mind could only exist in a healthy body, and they cautioned against indulgence and excess, advocating for a balanced diet that promoted both mental clarity and emotional stability.

Negreanu’s story mirrors that of many who embark on a journey of ambition—one where the initial thrill of success and the promise of adventure clouds the need for self-care. The poker world, like the ancient battlefields, is full of risks, rewards, and moments of uncertainty. Yet, just as the great warriors of old would find themselves worn down by the burdens of their physical neglect, so too did Negreanu find that his mind and body were at odds. The heavy diet of meat, alcohol, and processed foods was not fueling him for the long-term endurance required in his pursuit. It was like a warrior without proper armor, vulnerable to the wounds that would surely come from such neglect.

Think of the Spartan warriors, whose physical discipline was as legendary as their courage in battle. Their diet was simple but purposeful—designed to fuel their bodies for the rigors of combat and long campaigns. The Spartans did not indulge in excess, for they knew that strength came not from indulgence but from careful, measured nourishment. Every meal was a choice to fuel their strength and discipline. In the same way, Negreanu’s early choices of poor nutrition were disrupting his own capacity to thrive—not just as a poker player, but as a human being. The road to mastery requires not just skill but balance, a clear mind, and a body in harmony with the demands of the journey.

The lesson here is clear: indulgence in the pleasures of the moment may seem harmless, but over time, it saps both energy and clarity. Negreanu’s experience reminds us of the importance of balance in all things. In the chase for success, whether in the world of poker or in any other endeavor, it is easy to neglect the body and the mind. Yet, these two are intricately connected, and neglecting one will diminish the other. Negreanu’s shift in diet, his recognition that a diet lacking in fresh, nourishing food was hindering his success, reflects a larger truth: that the mind and body must be treated with equal care, for they are partners on the road to greatness.

Let us reflect on our own lives: are we nourishing our bodies with the vitality they need to carry us through the challenges of life? Do we choose foods that provide strength and clarity, or do we indulge in the quick pleasures of comfort, ignoring the long-term impact on our health and energy? Just as Negreanu took control of his diet and made choices that supported his success, so too must we learn to make choices that support our own growth.

The practical action we can take, then, is to choose wisely in how we nourish ourselves. Let us not fall prey to the illusion that quick indulgence leads to lasting satisfaction. Instead, let us embrace balance, choosing foods that provide both nourishment and endurance for the body and mind. Whether we are chasing a dream or fighting the battles of daily life, let us remember the importance of sustaining ourselves with care, for it is only through a healthy mind and body that we can truly excel and find lasting success.