Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India this week for a two-day summit, and the visit has generated yet another round of curiosity about how he maintains his health at the age of 73. His diet, often referenced in Russian state media, is one of the few recurring details about his daily routine.
A look at what the Russian President eats in a day
Russia Beyond has previously outlined what the president typically eats. Breakfast is the most regular part of their day. He starts with porridge. Additionally, a serving of TVrog – a traditional fermented Eastern European fresh cheese – is usually mixed with honey. He adheres to raw quail eggs, which are taken as a drink rather than cooked. His breakfast also includes a mixture of beetroot and horseradish juice.
He doesn’t eat much sweets. Honey appears to be his main regular sugar source, while ice cream is something he eats “from time to time.” In earlier conversations, Putin had said he liked rice and buckwheat but had little interest in oats, according to Russia Beyond.
Vegetables are stable. Tomato, cucumber, lettuce. He has said that between fish and meat he chooses fish, with lamb being his second preference. His schedule shapes the rest of the day. In the afternoon, he can have fruit or kefir if available. Dinner is often skipped altogether. While travelling, he tries local dishes but keeps the quantities small.
Why nutrition researchers say breakfast fits with current science
The high-protein meals that Putin consumes at the beginning of the day match the findings of many nutrition studies. a 2013 Studies show that a protein-heavy breakfast triggers stronger satiety responses, with hormones like PYY and GLP-1 increasing more quickly than a carbohydrate-heavy meal.
Another study found a decline in evening snacking among participants who regularly ate a protein-rich breakfast.
Also read: Ahead of Putin’s visit, Delhi on high alert: SWAT teams, snipers deployed across the capital
Concerns about discarded food
But their habit of going without food for long periods of time creates a different metabolic pattern. A 2025 research paper linked skipping meals to higher glucose spikes at the next meal. A separate 2018 study showed that uneven meal timing, especially skipping breakfast, increases glucose and insulin fluctuations.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you have about a medical condition.
