Unveiling the Carnivore Strongman: Eddie Hall's Dietary Shift
The title of 'World's Strongest Man' is synonymous with immense size and staggering power, fueled by diets of colossal proportions. However, one champion's journey took an unexpected carnivorous turn. The man in question is none other than Eddie Hall, the 2017 winner. After reaching the pinnacle of his career, Hall stepped back from intense competition and shifted his focus to his overall health, notably adopting a strict, meat-only diet. This move was a dramatic departure from his competition-era nutrition and aimed to reduce inflammation and shed excess body fat.
The Reason for the Carnivore Switch
For many strongmen, the drive for peak performance often comes with a significant toll on the body. To sustain a massive 400+ pound frame and the corresponding training, many athletes consume upwards of 10,000 calories per day, often including a variety of food groups. However, after his 2017 win and a subsequent transition into other ventures like MMA, Eddie Hall began prioritizing his longevity. His original strongman diet included not just meat, but also large quantities of pasta, rice, and even junk food like cheesecake. By contrast, his carnivore experiment focused on:
- Eliminating processed carbs and sugars: Many proponents of the carnivore diet believe that cutting these food groups can reduce systemic inflammation.
- Focusing on nutrient-dense animal products: Hall's diet consisted of nutrient-rich foods like ribeye steak, salmon, and eggs, along with some dairy products like cottage cheese.
- Triggering weight loss: By prioritizing protein and fat, the body enters a ketogenic state, using fat for fuel and promoting significant weight reduction.
Comparing Carnivore with Standard Strongman Diets
To understand the uniqueness of Hall's carnivore phase, it's crucial to compare it with the typical diet of his contemporaries, such as four-time World's Strongest Man winner Brian Shaw and fellow champion Hafthor Bjornsson. Their diets, while equally high in calories, follow a different macronutrient philosophy.
| Diet Aspect | Carnivore Diet (Eddie Hall, Post-Competition) | Standard Strongman Diet (Brian Shaw / Hafthor Bjornsson) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Weight loss, reduced inflammation, metabolic reset | Maximize strength, fuel massive size, support intense training |
| Caloric Intake | Roughly 8,000–10,000 calories per day, concentrated in high-protein/fat meals | Upwards of 10,000–12,000 calories per day, across numerous meals |
| Macronutrient Profile | Very high fat and protein, near-zero carbohydrates | Balanced approach with substantial protein, fat, and carbohydrates |
| Food Sources | Meat (steaks, ground beef), fish (salmon), eggs, some dairy (butter, cottage cheese) | Meat (bison, beef), eggs, rice, potatoes, oats, fruits, vegetables |
| Dietary Restrictions | Strictly animal products only; no plants, grains, or sugars | Fewer restrictions; emphasis on whole foods but with frequent cheat meals or high-sugar snacks |
The Carnivore Experience: Pros and Cons for an Elite Athlete
Eddie Hall's public dive into the carnivore diet brought attention to its potential benefits and significant downsides, especially for an elite athlete transitioning careers.
Pros of the Carnivore Diet (Based on Hall's experience):
- Rapid weight loss: Hall reported shedding a significant amount of weight quickly, which was beneficial for his health and transition to MMA.
- Reduced inflammation: Eliminating carbohydrates and inflammatory plant compounds helped alleviate aches and pains.
- High energy and endurance: Hall claimed his energy levels were 'through the roof,' allowing him to train harder and longer.
Cons of the Carnivore Diet (Potential Risks):
- Nutrient deficiencies: The diet eliminates key sources of fiber, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients found in plants, necessitating careful supplementation.
- High cost: Focusing exclusively on high-quality meat and animal products can be expensive.
- Digestive issues: The lack of fiber can initially cause digestive discomfort.
- Long-term health risks: Healthline notes potential long-term risks associated with high red meat consumption, though the carnivore diet remains a subject of ongoing debate.
Key Takeaways from Hall's Journey
Eddie Hall's carnivore diet was a calculated move for specific post-competition goals, not a strategy for peak strongman performance. While he experienced benefits like weight loss and reduced inflammation, it is not the typical nutritional approach for fueling the extreme demands of competitive strongman. His journey highlights that a diet's effectiveness depends heavily on an athlete's individual goals and the phase of their career. For insight into his transition and diet, check out BarBend's look at Eddie Hall's carnivore diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the carnivore in the World's Strongest Man is the 2017 champion, Eddie Hall, who adopted the diet for a specific purpose after his competitive career ended. His experience demonstrates that extreme dietary measures can be effective for specific health goals like weight loss and reducing inflammation. However, it's a significant departure from the standard, high-calorie, and more varied diets required to sustain the incredible power of a competitive strongman. The diverse nutritional approaches of elite strongmen like Hall, Shaw, and Bjornsson underscore that while the caloric intake is universally massive, the exact dietary composition is a matter of individual goals and strategic choices.
