Al Jefferson gave up fried chicken, lost over 20 pounds

If the Charlotte Hornets are going to improve on their 33 wins from a season ago, Al Jefferson will likely have a lot to do with it. In preparation for the upcoming season, Jefferson set a goal of losing 25 pounds. He’s close to that amount, but he had to give up one of his favorite foods to get there.

Jefferson has slimmed down thanks in part to giving up fried chicken.

“Every Popeye’s commercial I see, I have to turn the TV off,” Jefferson told The Charlotte Observer.

“One thing about losing weight: It becomes a lot easier once you become disciplined about what you’re eating. Cutting out the sugar and the starch. Taking care of your body. Once I got into a routine it became pretty easy. And I knew what I was doing it for – to take some of the weight off my knees and getting my body into better shape than last year.”

Jefferson played in 65 games last season, missing time due to a groin strain and inflammation in his right knee. The knee in particular was bothersome. Jefferson had it drained multiple times towards the end of the season in hopes of alleviating the discomfort.

The Hornets made the playoffs in 2014, and with the arrival of Nicolas Batum and Frank Kaminsky, to go along with Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte has its sights set on the postseason once again. With a healthy Jefferson as the centerpiece, it’s certainly possible. I’m sure he will gladly trade a few pieces of fried chicken for less stress on his knees and better seasons for both him and the team.

H/T Ball Don’t Lie