Kevin Diks’ Diet Coach : Rice is Better than Pasta for His Body, A Proof to the Indonesian Roots

Kevin Diks Bakarbessy is one of the best Indonesian footballers now. He is playing for Borussia Moenchengladbach in Bundesliga. He is the first Indonesian to play in Bundesliga.

Kevin Diks has Bakarbessy surname which come from Maluku, Indonesia. His Indonesia heritage is not only proven by his surname, but also scientific research from his diet coach.

Kevin Diks’ Personalized Nutrition Discovery

When it comes to elite footballers, nutrition is as strategic as tactics on the field. Indonesian defender Kevin Diks recently made headlines when his diet coach revealed a surprising detail: his body responds far better to rice (nasi) than pasta or bread.

This finding came after a series of nutrition trials that compared different sources of carbohydrates before matches. The results showed that rice gave Diks more consistent energy, lighter digestion, and faster recovery than pasta or other flour-based foods.

“Kevin avoids pasta before games because our tests showed his body performs better without it,” the coach explained in a session quoted by Indonesian outlets. The verdict: rice helps him play at his peak.

Why Rice Works Better Than Pasta

Rice and pasta are both carbohydrate staples, but they aren’t identical. Their digestion rates, starch structures, and glycemic impact differ. Many athletes digest rice more smoothly, while pasta—depending on preparation—can feel heavier.

Research on Asian populations even suggests varying metabolic responses to rice versus wheat-based carbs. A 2021 crossover study comparing rice, noodles, and spaghetti found significant differences in insulin and glycemic reactions, hinting that genetic and cultural dietary backgrounds may play a role.

For Kevin Diks, this isn’t just science in theory. His coach’s experiments measured performance indicators like blood sugar stability, energy output, and subjective comfort. The data pointed clearly: rice fuels him better than pasta.

A Link Back to His Indonesian Heritage

What makes this discovery resonate beyond sports science is its cultural symbolism. Rice is not just food in Indonesia—it is identity, heritage, and tradition. For centuries, rice has been the centerpiece of Indonesian meals, symbolizing prosperity and unity.

By contrast, pasta represents Western dining traditions, especially Italian cuisine. The fact that Diks’ body thrives on rice, rather than pasta, feels like a reminder of his Indonesian roots. It shows how his modern career in Europe still maintains a subtle connection with the culinary traditions of his ancestral homeland.

In a way, his nutrition choice is a blend of sports performance and cultural identity. Eating rice before stepping onto the field is not only strategic—it is also a quiet tribute to where he comes from.

Lessons for Athletes and Fans

Kevin Diks’ story carries valuable lessons for athletes, nutritionists, and even everyday fans:

1. Personalization is key. No universal diet works for everyone. Testing different foods and listening to the body is essential.
2. Traditional foods can be performance foods. Ancestral diets may align naturally with one’s physiology.
3. Identity matters. When performance fuel is also cultural fuel, the psychological and emotional boost can be just as important as the physical one.
4. Science plus heritage. Diks’ nutrition journey shows that sports science doesn’t replace culture—it often complements it.

Rice, Performance, and Pride

For Kevin Diks, the path to peak performance doesn’t lie in the stereotypical pre-match pasta plate. Instead, it’s a warm serving of rice, a meal his Indonesian ancestors would immediately recognize.

As he continues his football career, this small but meaningful detail underscores a larger truth: the best fuel is often found not just in science, but also in heritage. In Kevin Diks’ case, rice is more than a carbohydrate—it’s a reminder of where he belongs.