12,000 Calories a Day: 9 Incredible Eating Habits of the World’s Greatest Athletes
While consuming up to 12,000 calories a day without gaining body fat might sound like a dream, it’s also an incredibly demanding task. Here’s a look at nine world-class athletes and their unique dietary habits that fuel their extraordinary performances.
Venus Williams' Raw Vegan Diet
After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2011, tennis star Venus Williams adopted a raw vegan diet consisting only of unprocessed, uncooked plant-based foods. Venus credits this lifestyle change with improving her energy and overall health, allowing her to continue competing at the highest level.
Robert Lewandowski’s “Reversed” Eating Pattern
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski starts his meals with dessert before moving on to the main course. This unconventional approach is said to improve digestion and metabolism. He also avoids dairy products and wheat flour in his diet.
Usain Bolt’s Love for Chicken Nuggets at the Olympics
During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Usain Bolt famously consumed around 1,000 chicken nuggets over 10 days. Despite this unusual diet, Bolt won three gold medals and set world records in the 100m and 200m sprints.
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Michael Phelps’ 12,000-Calorie Training Diet
During intense training periods, Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps consumed an astonishing 12,000 calories a day. His diet included massive portions of pasta, pizza, and eggs to fuel his demanding workout sessions.
Novak Djokovic’s Gluten-Free Diet and Its Impact
After discovering a gluten intolerance, Novak Djokovic revamped his diet and noticed significant improvements in his on-court performance. He credits his gluten-free lifestyle for boosting his energy and stamina.
Tom Brady’s Alkaline Diet
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady follows a strict alkaline diet, rich in organic vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. He believes this approach has helped him prevent inflammation and sustain a long, successful career.
Chad Johnson’s McDonald’s Diet
Former NFL player Chad Johnson, known as “Ochocinco,” claimed to eat McDonald’s every day throughout his career. According to him, his body had adapted to this routine without affecting his performance.
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Dwight Howard’s Sugar Addiction
At one point, Dwight Howard consumed up to 24 candy bars a day, totaling around 5,500 calories from sugar alone. This habit eventually took a toll on his health and performance, prompting him to overhaul his diet.
Carb Overload in Professional Cycling
Professional cyclists, especially during events like the Tour de France, consume massive amounts of carbohydrates to maintain high energy levels. Some of them eat up to 8,000 calories a day, with generous portions of pasta and rice being staples in their diet.
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