Rigorous Training of the Stomach and Jaw
Competitive eating is a sport of technique and physical conditioning, with athletes training specific parts of their body to handle the extreme demands of a contest. Unlike casual overeating, competitive eating involves pushing the human body far beyond its normal limits.
Stomach Expansion with Water and Low-Calorie Foods
To increase stomach capacity, competitive eaters like Joey Chestnut have historically used water loading, though some experts advise against it due to health risks. The goal is to stretch the stomach to accommodate a much larger volume than it is accustomed to holding.
- Water Training: This involves drinking progressively larger amounts of water over a short time to force the stomach to expand. In the past, some eaters have famously chugged gallons of water in practice sessions.
- Low-Calorie Bulky Foods: A safer and more common method is to consume large quantities of low-calorie, high-fiber foods such as watermelon or steamed cabbage. This practice helps to stretch the stomach without adding a heavy caloric load.
- Max-Out Meals: Some eaters, like Eric “Badlands” Booker, may consume a "max-out" meal of low-calorie, bulky foods 18-22 hours before a contest to maximize stomach expansion.
Strengthening the Eating Muscles
It’s not just about stomach size; the speed of eating is also crucial. Eaters must develop jaw stamina to chew and swallow rapidly over a sustained period.
- Chewing Gum: Many competitors chew multiple pieces of gum at once to build endurance in their jaw muscles.
- Speed Practice with Food: Training sessions with the actual contest food are essential. This allows eaters to perfect their technique, such as the "Solomon method" for hot dogs, where the dog is separated from the bun, dipped in water, and eaten in pieces.
The Strategic Pre-Contest Fasting and Diet
In the days leading up to a competition, competitive eaters shift from training to a strategic fasting and dietary protocol to prepare their digestive system.
Days and Hours Before the Contest
Eaters follow a strict regimen to cleanse their system and prepare for the massive influx of food.
- Fasting: Many competitive eaters will begin to reduce their solid food intake one to two days before a contest to empty their digestive tract. This creates as much internal space as possible for the competition food.
- Liquids and Light Foods: During this fast, they often consume only liquids like water, smoothies, or vegetable juice to stay hydrated and energized without filling up on solids.
- Fiber-Rich Supplements: To ensure the digestive system is completely clear, some competitors take fiber supplements in the days leading up to the event.
The Morning of the Contest
On game day, the routine is carefully managed to optimize performance.
- Hydration: A final large consumption of water or liquid is common to ensure maximum stomach expansion right before the contest begins.
- Energy Boost: A light, easily digestible breakfast like a protein shake or piece of fruit provides a quick energy source to prevent fatigue during the contest.
- Caffeine for Clarity: Some competitors, like Yasir Salem, use a cup of strong coffee to stimulate their system and aid in elimination before the event.
The Mental Game and Focus
Competitive eating is not just a physical feat but a psychological one as well. Athletes must train their minds to ignore the body’s natural signals of satiety and discomfort.
- Visualization and Meditation: Eaters visualize themselves executing their eating technique flawlessly. Others, like Badlands Booker, use meditation to maintain focus and control anxiety.
- Suppressing the Gag Reflex: Eaters train their bodies to override the gag reflex, often through practice. Some, like Yasir Salem, have worked with biofeedback specialists to help suppress this reflex.
- Distraction Management: The environment of a major eating contest is chaotic, with loud crowds and competitors. Eaters use techniques like listening to music or practicing breathing exercises to block out distractions and stay focused on their pace.
Comparison of Preparation Phases
| Preparation Phase | Focus | Typical Activities | Why It's Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Months Before | Physical Conditioning & Technique | Regular exercise, jaw muscle workouts (chewing gum), practice eating specific foods, video analysis of technique. | To build stamina, strengthen key muscles, and refine eating technique for maximum speed and efficiency. |
| 1-2 Weeks Before | Stomach Expansion | Eating large volumes of low-calorie foods (cabbage, watermelon), water loading. | To increase the stomach's elasticity and overall capacity, preparing it for the massive intake during the contest. |
| 1-2 Days Before | Digestive Cleansing | Fasting from solid foods, consuming only liquids (soups, shakes, water), taking fiber supplements. | To ensure the digestive tract is empty and clean, maximizing the available space for contest food. |
| Day of Contest | Priming for Performance | Light liquid or small, easily digestible snack, large water intake, and caffeine for energy and elimination. | To provide a final stretch of the stomach, offer a small energy boost, and ensure the body is as ready as possible. |
| Mental Preparation | Mind over Matter | Visualization, breathing exercises, meditation, suppressing the gag reflex. | To maintain focus, overcome anxiety, and ignore the body's natural satiety signals during the intense competition. |
Conclusion
What do competitive eaters do before eating is a question that reveals a highly disciplined and strategic process, far removed from the image of simple gluttony. From months of physical and psychological conditioning to the immediate pre-contest routine of cleansing and stretching, every step is calculated to maximize performance in a high-pressure environment. The preparation is a testament to the fact that competitive eating, like any professional sport, requires dedication, training, and an unwavering mental fortitude to push the boundaries of what the human body can achieve. While the health implications of the sport are debated, the sheer athleticism of these individuals is undeniable, showcasing a unique blend of physical prowess and mental mastery. For a comprehensive look at the risks associated with this unique athletic pursuit, medical literature offers in-depth studies on the physiological effects of competitive eating.
