The Chankonabe: A Hearty Staple of Sumo
At the core of the sumo wrestler’s diet is a dish called chankonabe, a nutrient-dense hotpot stew that is fundamental to their weight gain and health. The term 'chanko' refers to any meal eaten by a wrestler, but it is most famously associated with this communal hotpot. Eaten in large quantities, often with multiple servings of rice, chankonabe is a customizable and protein-packed meal.
Each sumo training stable, or heya, has its own unique recipe for chankonabe, passed down through generations. The base is typically a flavorful dashi or chicken broth, though other stables may use miso or soy sauce bases. A variety of ingredients are then added, providing a mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals. A typical chankonabe might include:
- Proteins: Chicken, fish, tofu, or thinly sliced pork or beef.
- Vegetables: Napa cabbage, daikon radish, carrots, bok choy, and various mushrooms.
- Fillers: Udon noodles or mochi.
During tournaments, a superstition dictates that chicken is the preferred meat because chickens stand on two legs, representing a winning wrestler. Eating four-legged animals is avoided as it could symbolize being forced down onto all fours in the ring.
The Sumo Wrestler's Daily Routine
The diet is part of a strict, highly-disciplined daily schedule. A wrestler’s day is built around maximizing calorie absorption and minimizing energy expenditure outside of training.
The Daily Eating and Training Pattern
- Morning Training on an Empty Stomach: Wrestlers wake up early, around 5 a.m., and engage in several hours of intense training without eating breakfast. This practice slows their metabolism, preparing their bodies to store calories efficiently after the session.
- First Massive Meal (Lunch): Around noon, training ends and the wrestlers consume their first enormous meal. They eat communally, with lower-ranked wrestlers serving the higher-ranked ones. This communal setting encourages competitive eating, leading to higher consumption.
- Afternoon Nap: Immediately after eating, wrestlers take a long nap, often lasting two to four hours. This crucial step further slows their metabolism, ensuring that the large meal is stored as fat and muscle rather than being burned off.
- Second Massive Meal (Dinner): The evening brings another round of heavy eating, often followed by more socializing and relaxation before bedtime. This final high-calorie intake before sleep is another strategic part of the weight-gain process.
A Comparison: Sumo Diet vs. Average Diet
To understand the magnitude of the sumo diet, a comparison to a standard daily intake is useful.
| Aspect | Sumo Wrestler Diet | Average Adult Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Calories | 5,000 - 10,000+ calories | ~2,000 - 2,500 calories |
| Meal Frequency | Two large meals per day | Three or more smaller meals |
| Main Meal | Chankonabe with large amounts of rice | Balanced meal of lean protein, vegetables, grains |
| Weight Gain Method | Caloric surplus, skipping meals, napping after eating | Intentional, controlled surplus or specific macronutrient focus |
| Hydration | Water, green tea, and copious amounts of beer | Primarily water; moderate alcohol intake |
| Purpose | Gain and maintain weight for competitive advantage | Maintain healthy weight and energy levels |
More Than Just the Hotpot: Accompanying Foods and Drinks
While chankonabe is the star, it's not the only thing on the menu. Wrestlers typically consume a variety of other foods to help them meet their calorie goals. This includes massive bowls of rice, which provide a high volume of carbohydrates. Other side dishes like fried meats, sushi, and salads are also common. One notable accompaniment to their meals is beer, which is consumed in large quantities for its additional calorie content and to aid in relaxation before the post-lunch nap.
The Paradox: Intense Training and Healthy Eating Habits
Despite the enormous body mass and high caloric intake, the sumo diet is surprisingly nutritious and not inherently 'junk food'. Wrestlers consume fresh, whole ingredients and avoid processed foods and excess sugar that are restricted within the heya. This, combined with their intense, physically demanding training regimen, results in a unique physiological profile.
Scientific studies have shown that sumo wrestlers have much less visceral fat (the dangerous fat surrounding organs) compared to the average obese individual. Their intense exercise helps them maintain a healthy metabolism and cardiovascular system, though this advantage diminishes upon retirement when the training stops and the heavy eating habits often persist.
Conclusion
The question of what do sumo wrestlers eat daily reveals a meticulously crafted, high-calorie diet that is a fundamental component of their athletic training. The combination of intense morning workouts, skipping breakfast, and consuming two massive, protein-and-carb-heavy meals—often centered around chankonabe—is a deliberate strategy for gaining and maintaining body mass. While their size may seem unhealthy, their reliance on fresh, wholesome ingredients and rigorous physical conditioning presents a more complex picture than simply overeating. The sumo diet is a testament to the fact that for these elite athletes, food is both a ritual and a tool for performance. For more about Japanese cooking, check out Just One Cookbook for authentic recipes.
