How does one man manage to run Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and X while working nearly 18-hour days? According to Elon Musk himself, the answer isn’t just about discipline — it’s about what fuels him. And no, it’s not what you’d expect from a billionaire.
Insiders say Musk’s eating habits are “minimalist to the extreme.” His mornings often begin with nothing more than a strong coffee and sometimes a protein-packed shake. “Breakfast is overrated,” Musk once said in an interview. “I usually skip it.” This intermittent fasting habit reportedly keeps him laser-focused through the morning chaos of meetings, calls, and rocket updates.
When it comes to lunch, simplicity is key. “I’ll eat quickly — usually a few bites during a meeting,” he admitted. Those close to him claim his go-to meals are lean proteins, salads, or the occasional burrito, chosen for convenience rather than indulgence. But don’t be fooled — Musk has a soft spot for “comfort meals,” especially late-night pizza or barbecue, which he reportedly enjoys when pulling all-nighters at SpaceX or Tesla facilities.
Dinner is where things get interesting. Musk often eats late — sometimes past midnight — and this meal serves as his one real moment to slow down. “I’ll have a heavier dinner, usually with friends or team members,” a colleague said. “It’s a mix of recharging and brainstorming.” Favorites? Grilled fish, steak, and occasionally his guilty pleasure: donuts or ice cream.
But food is only part of Musk’s survival strategy. His routine is deliberately structured: breaking his 18-hour days into five-minute blocks, prioritizing high-impact work, and carving out brief but meaningful time for his children. “He doesn’t eat for pleasure; he eats for efficiency,” one source explained.
Perhaps most shocking? Despite being worth billions, Musk has confessed he doesn’t enjoy lavish dining. “I could be at a fancy dinner or just eating a hot dog at the factory. It doesn’t matter,” he once quipped.
This stripped-down, purpose-driven lifestyle explains how Musk pushes his limits daily — and it’s left fans wondering if adopting even a piece of his routine could boost their own productivity.
