Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy needs to think about a lot of things on the day of a big game: his team’s playbook, blocking schemes, and how he’ll respond to different defensive looks—to name a few. That’s one reason why Lacy makes sure his pre-game meal involves no thought at all. He heats the same thing every time.

“Before the game, it’s chicken noodle soup, definitely,” Lacy says.

Why?

“I have no idea, honestly. There’s just something about it that I like. I’m not going to stop at all.” [Laughs]

Most people think of chicken noodle soup as something they should eat when they’re fighting off a cold, but it’s also a solid pre-game meal—for several reasons. Of course chicken is a great protein source, and it provides a satiating effect that keeps you feeling full without being stuffed. Noodles provide simple carbs, which your body can break down and turn into quick energy. (The period right before activity is one of the few times you should avoid consuming too much fiber.) The soup is relatively high in sodium, which a hard worker like Lacy loses through sweat during every game. And not insignificantly, the warming effect of the soup probably helps sustain him during late fall and winter games at Lambeau Field.

Lacy has recently come under fire for his weight, which reportedly was as high as 242 pounds at the beginning of season. But he insists that a nutritionist keeps him on a strict regimen and that he veers from the plan only once per week, opting for his mom’s red beans and rice when he’s back home, or Taco Bell or Popeye’s if he’s on the road.

“I definitely have a cheat meal once a week,” Lacy says. “I think it’s only fair, you know? You eat healthy for six days, you have one cheat.”