Michael Phelps’ Freakish Calorie Intake

Interestingly, the amount of calories consumed by the eight-time 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medalist and swimming phenom, Michael Phelps, is a matter for debate.

Based on media reports during the Games, those weighing in on Phelps’ calories had the athlete consuming anywhere from 6,000 to 12,000 calories per day. Phelps himself stated it was roughly 8,000 to 10,000 calories daily. But in the opinion of Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, University of Pittsburgh’s Director of Sports Nutrition, “to consume 10,000 calories a day, he would need to be eating all day long.”

She estimated that it was more likely Phelps consumed approximately 6,000 calories per day. However, Phelps’ breakfast menu, printed in the New York Post, would have him on track toward eating closer to 10,000 to 12,000 calories per day. His typical breakfast included: three fried-egg sandwiches with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fried onions, and mayonnaise; one five-egg omelet; one bowl of grits; three slices of French toast topped with powdered sugar; and three chocolate-chip pancakes. Depending on exact portion sizes and recipes, his breakfast alone totaled around 4,000 calories!

This calorie level is astonishing considering the calorie requirements for an average 23-year-old male, standing 6’4” tall and weighing approximately 190 pounds, would be 2,800 to 3,200 calories based on activity level. If that same average male began consuming Phelps’ diet of 10,000 calories per day, he could potentially gain roughly 13 to 14 pounds per week with no exercise. This is based on the principle that 3,500 calories is equal to one pound of body fat.

Phelps and other elite athletes are able to eat four to five times more than the average person because of the calories expended through rigorous training and competition and elevated metabolic rates. Phelps burns around 3,000 calories or more in the pool alone, which is many more calories than most of us need in a day!

– Carey L. Bush RD, LDN
Rothman Institute Wellness Program