August 19, 2008

So Tell Me... What Exactly Does Michael Phelps Eat?

Since we all have Olympic Fever in our household, the following is a guest post by my wife, from the blog JunkFoodaholic.com.

Michael PhelpsThe grandest of Olympic champions, Michael Phelps, churned his way to immortality on Sunday, nailing an unprecedented eight consecutive gold after powering the United States to victory in the 4x100-meter medley relay.

I knew training as a competitive swimmer took a lot of work but what I didn't know is that it takes a whole lot of food too.

Here's what Phelps said about his eating habits: "I was told I was supposed to eat between 8,000 and 10,000 calories a day. I just sort of try to cram whatever I can into my body."

Following is a typical breakfast for Michael Phelps:

* 3 fried egg sandwiches
* 3 slices of french toast
* a bowl of grits
* a five egg omelet
* 3 chocolate chip pancakes

The diet sounds deadly but trainers say consuming that many calories isn't all that unusual for a competitive swimmer.

Beijing 2008Listen to Sports dietician Caroline Mandel explain why it's necessary for an athlete to eat so much food.

7 comments:

The Fitness Diva said...

Wish I could eat like that and still be a champion! Or slim! ;)

Blake said...

I was also amazed at what Michael Phelps eats. Obviously it works for him. I think we all wish we could eat like him and be as in great shape as he is in! He sure was fun to watch too.

torasham said...

i think that Phelp's way is too difficult to follow...

Leigh said...

When I was watching the Olympics over the weekend they were talking about what he eats, and they said he consumes 12,000 calories a day! My jaw dropped to the floor! But I guess if you're in the water swimming as much as he is day in and day out, you need that much fuel!

MKSOL said...

Simply the best.. ;) he has carbo diets.. it gives us a lot of energy.. Phelps made all the people realize that we can achieve our goals no matter how hard it is.. ;)

Paul Eilers said...

Growing up, I was on a summer league swim team, so I was pumped watching the swimming events.

And back then, I could eat and eat and eat and stayed skinny as a rail.

But no longer...

Marti said...

YEAH!!!!!!! I'll race my kid in the hot tub....(competitive swimming) then I can eat like Michael Phelps!!!! woo Hooo!