Eddie Hall's Strongman Bulking Diet and His Carbohydrate Intake
During his prime strongman career, Eddie 'The Beast' Hall's nutritional strategy was built around consuming an astronomical number of calories to support his immense size and strength. For him, eating was a job in itself, a constant effort to fuel his body for brutal training sessions. At this point in his life, the answer to "Does Eddie Hall eat carbs?" was a resounding yes, and in massive quantities. A critique of his bulking routine reveals daily carbohydrate intakes that often exceeded a kilogram (over 1,000 grams), sourced from foods like pasta, bread, and sugary treats. This was a stark contrast to a normal diet, but necessary for the energy demands of his sport.
His day might include several large meals featuring pasta dishes and cheesecakes, along with carbohydrate-rich snacks like flapjacks and energy drinks. The purpose of this was to maximize muscle glycogen stores, which serve as the primary fuel source for high-intensity, short-duration activities typical of strongman events. This strategy allowed him to push his body to its limits, culminating in achievements like his 500kg deadlift world record. While effective for pure power, this approach led to a very high body fat percentage and significant health concerns.
The Shift to a Carb-Free Carnivore Diet
Following his retirement from strongman, Hall's focus shifted from raw strength to improving his overall health and physical fitness, a journey that led him to explore new nutritional strategies. In a dramatic change, he adopted a carnivore diet, which is virtually free of carbohydrates. This complete reversal was a reset, aimed at shedding excess body fat while maintaining muscle mass.
During his 90-day carnivore experiment, Hall consumed almost exclusively meat, eggs, and dairy, effectively eliminating all fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains from his diet. He documented this journey, noting significant changes in his body composition and energy levels. The diet was extremely high in protein and fat, with carbohydrates being reduced to negligible amounts. This shift forced his body to burn fat for fuel, a metabolic state known as ketosis. The dietary change resulted in substantial weight and body fat loss, alongside surprising anecdotal reports of improved strength and endurance.
The Macronutrient Spectrum: Strongman vs. Carnivore
To better understand the radical dietary changes Eddie Hall has implemented, we can compare the macronutrient profiles of his different phases.
| Feature | Strongman Bulking Diet | Carnivore Diet (Initial Phase) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrate Source | High-GI and complex carbs (pasta, bread, cereals, sugar) | None (except minimal amounts from dairy) |
| Carbohydrate Grams/Day | >1,000 grams | Near zero (<5-10g from dairy) |
| Protein Source | High protein (meat, dairy, shakes) | Animal products only (meat, eggs, dairy) |
| Fat Source | Significant fat intake from various sources | High fat intake, primarily from animal fats |
| Daily Calories | 10,000–16,000+ calories | ~8,000–9,000 calories |
The Transition and Current Approach
After completing his 90-day carnivore experiment, Hall has moved towards a more balanced, sustainable dietary pattern. While the zero-carb phase was effective for achieving a specific body composition goal, he recognized its limitations and potential health concerns. He has since reintroduced some fruits and vegetables to improve digestion and intake of micronutrients that are absent from a purely carnivore diet.
His current diet is a hybrid approach, combining the high protein and healthy fats from his carnivore stint with strategic, healthy carbohydrate sources. This includes four square meals and protein shakes, aiming for roughly 6,000 calories per day to maintain muscle mass and leanness. This measured approach is a far cry from his "eat everything" strongman days and represents a more mature, health-conscious perspective on nutrition.
Conclusion
The question "Does Eddie Hall eat carbs?" has a nuanced answer that changes with time and his athletic objectives. While he consumed massive amounts of carbohydrates during his strongman career to fuel his immense calorie needs, he has since eliminated them almost entirely during specific body recomposition phases, such as his carnivore diet. His evolution shows that there is no one-size-fits-all diet, even for elite athletes. His dietary shifts highlight the role of macronutrients in achieving different physical goals, from gaining raw strength to improving overall health and leanness. Today, his diet is a balanced blend, featuring lean proteins and healthy fats, with strategic reintroductions of fruits and vegetables.
