Chief William Wu of the Compton Unified School District Police Department was born in Taiwan and has served in his role for many years. He often appears at various events within the Chinese community. Outside of his professional duties, he is passionate about fitness and nutritional research, adhering to a unique routine of eating just one substantial meal a day. He believes that if the meal is nutritionally sufficient, just one meal is enough to sustain him.

Reflecting on his time in the police academy, Wu recalls the instructions given by his instructors to always wear the police uniform neatly and appropriately, as it represents the government. His father, a military man, often emphasized, “If your uniform isn’t tidy, it’s better not to wear it at all!” This commitment to uniformity is visible when you see Wu in public: his police attire fits well and exudes authority, a perfect blend of dignity and strength.

With over 20 years of experience as a police officer and more than a decade as chief, Wu underscores the importance of physical fitness in law enforcement. Carrying equipment that can weigh dozens of pounds and needing to chase down suspects requires incredible physical stamina. During police training, recruits are expected to lift and transport a 165-pound victim to safety.

Wu views fitness as a form of self-protection. With rising crime rates in the community, police officers frequently encounter various criminal activities. He emphasizes the need for sufficient strength to quickly subdue offenders and uphold the law—a duty every law enforcement officer must take seriously. Alongside regular exercise, he stresses the significance of balanced nutrition. Poor dietary habits, particularly excessive calorie intake, can lead to obesity, regardless of how much one exercises.

When it comes to his diet, Wu focuses on vegetables, chicken, beef, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. He advocates for a protein-rich diet, favoring lean meats, eggs, and chicken. For the past seven years, he has maintained the practice of eating just one meal a day, typically during lunch, ensuring that it provides enough calories to sustain his energy for the day while limiting snacks. Initially, he found this adjustment challenging, but over time it led to increased vitality and a lighter feeling in his body.

Wu notes that his approach is scientifically supported. Research by scientists in the United States and the UK highlights that, despite being highly evolved, human physiology is still animalistic at its core. In the wild, animals don’t wake up expecting breakfast; instead, they hunt when hungry, eat, and then rest, without needing to adhere to three meals a day. Thus, with a hearty, nutritious lunch, he finds that he doesn’t feel hungry in the evening. After experiencing weight gain due to stress and neglecting his health habits seven years ago, Wu decided to make significant changes. He researched health and nutrition extensively and discovered that eating one substantial meal a day—often referred to as the “Warrior Diet”—could have compelling benefits for his health.