Angel Reese Shares Go-To High-Protein Meal (Exclusive)

One of the most iconic partnerships of 2024 was the WNBA’s Angel Reese star turn on a limited-time box of Reese’s Puffs cereal. And this year, Reese is teaming up with the brand once again—and she’s bringing a special guest along for the ride.

“It’s amazing,” Reese tells EatingWell. “I’ve been a Reese’s girl for a really long time, and working with them has been great.” Amid the brand’s viral collaboration with Oreo’s, Reese partnered with fellow WNBA star Paige Bueckers for a “perfect” teamup. 

“I’ve known Paige for a long time because we’ve been playing against each other—we kind of grew up playing against each other—and then being in the same class, so it’s really cool to have two icons coming together,” Reese says.

Speaking of their careers, EatingWell was given the chance to speak with both Reese and Bueckers about their go-to meals pre- and post-game. While Reese shares that she relies on the team catering after the game, her pre-game meal is a ritual.

“I like to eat nigiri or a sushi roll,” she tells us. “That’s just my thing.” Eating sushi packed with omega-3 fatty acids is a great way to support your heart health. Plus, nigiri is packed with protein, making it a satisfying and energizing bite before an important matchup. She also shares that she focuses on getting in “a lot of water” before a game, and staying hydrated is key before and after a lengthy workout.

Reese admits that her eating habits shifted between her rookie year and year two, but only for the better.

“I eat healthy now,” she says. “I used to not eat healthy my rookie year because when I got out of college, I was used to eating whatever the team gave me. So it was an adjustment for me coming out of college and figuring it out on my own. But then my second year, I was able to have a chef and understand what it’s like to eat healthy. So now I eat way healthier than I used to. I definitely noticed a change.”

This coincides with her current philosophy of eating well: it’s about “finding a good routine, finding a balance.”

“I don’t think you have to cut out everything,” Reese clarifies. “I mean, I still do a little cheat meal here and there, and have a little sweet here and there, but I think it’s important to find your balance and what works for you.” 

Another important piece of advice Reese shares is the importance of prioritizing food in general. “I think it is important to eat well, just figuring out what works for you and making sure you do eat,” she says. “[Just] because you don’t eat doesn’t mean that you’re going to ‘slim out’ or lose weight. I think you still have to eat the right things to continue to maintain muscle and weight.”

She’s absolutely right; not eating enough throughout the day is not a sustainable way to lose weight (if that is your goal). Instead, focus on high-fiber and high-protein foods that will help you power through the day feeling satisfied and focused.

With the holidays nearing, Reese is looking forward to enjoying her supply of Reese’s x Oreo cookies while watching Home Alone with her family. But one thing you will not catch her eating this season—or ever, for that matter—is ketchup.

“I don’t like ketchup. I don’t get the hype,” she said, inspired to admit this after Bueckers shared her food “hot take” of liking ketchup with potato chips (which… we’ll get into that on another day). Fortunately, they didn’t let this disagreement overshadow their tangible rapport. Reese’s and Buecker’s energy together is truly effortless, and their fitting collab is a prime example.