Michael Phelps’ 10,000 calorie diet is not recommended by nutritionists for non-athletes

Michael Phelps, nicknamed the “Baltimore Bullet”, made Olympic history by winning 8 gold medals at the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008. He overthrew Mark Spitz’s 1972 record of seven gold medals. gold in a single Olympic edition. Today, he is the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals to his name, including 23 gold.

But what makes Michael Phelps such a great athlete? What is his secret to success? Around his win in Beijing, many suspected the answer may lie in his diet. But if you ask the nutritionists, this is not a meal for the common man.

Michael Phelps’ Legendary 10,000 Calorie Diet

That’s right, to keep his body fit for the rigorous workout, Michael Phelps used to consume 10,000 calories a day, every day. “Eat, sleep and swim is all I can do” said the American swimmer, after winning his 11th Olympic gold medal. Here’s a quick look at his diet, according to the BBC:

• Breakfast: Three fried egg sandwiches; cheese; tomatoes; salad; fried onions; Mayonnaise; three chocolate chip pancakes; five-egg omelet; three slices of sugar-coated French toast; a bowl of oatmeal; two cups of coffee
• Lunch: Half a kilogram (one pound) of enriched pasta; two large ham and cheese sandwiches with mayonnaise on white bread; energy drinks
• Having dinner: Half a kilogram of pasta, carbonara sauce; large pizza; energy drinks

But nutritionists advise against following in its footsteps for your daily diet. “Health-wise, if he ate like this long term, he would probably have to see a cardiologist regularly,” Barbara Lewin, a nutritionist who has worked with international athletes, told the BBC.

DIVE DEEPER

While that certainly doesn’t translate well to the average person, the diet worked for Phelps. In fact, it did help to keep him in top shape. “Nine out of 10 times the reason an athlete doesn’t reach their personal best is because they aren’t getting enough carbs and that’s what your muscles need for fuel.Lewin continued.

But what does Phelps eat now after retirement?

Now that the retired swimming legend no longer trains rigorously day in and day out, he no longer follows his 10,000 calorie diet. However, it took time to figure out what worked for him when he wasn’t working in the pool for 5 hours a day. As a father of three children, Michael Phelps now has other responsibilities.

In an interview with QG, Phelps revealed that his diet now contains a lot more vegetables. From spinach, almond milk, cocoa nibs and fig smoothies for breakfast, to incorporating salads every night into family meals. The champion’s power supply has reversed.

“For 25 years, eating was part of my job, it was part of my job. Thanks to this, I have a deep understanding of what my body needs. he told GQ. Now that he no longer injects food into his body at the behest of his trainer, his mother’s voice guides him to his greens and vegetables.