“Don’t Want to Get Mercury Poisoning”: 7-Time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath Alarmed Bodybuilders About Eating a Fish Diet in 2018

Phil Heath was the most decorated bodybuilder of the last decade. From 2011 to 2017, Phil ruled the Mr. Olympia stage. After winning seven consecutive titles, the bodybuilding icon became the first man since Ronnie Coleman to equal Arnold Schwarzenegger’s record. While Phil worked tirelessly in the gym, diet played a massive role in helping Phil reach the zenith and remain there for seven years.

Shortly before the Mr. Olympia show in 2018, Phil revealed his diet secrets. Heath ate everything from egg whites to steak. However, he also explained he was cautious while consuming fish and had a valid reason for it.

The bodybuilding icon preferred eating tilapia

Heath said he ate upwards of 6000 calories a day while in the final stages of preparing for the Mr. Olympia contest. While Phil included rice and oats for carbs, most of his protein came from eggs, fish, and meat. However, Phil has always been very particular about the type of fish he consumes. “You don’t want to get mercury poisoning. Ever.” said the champion bodybuilder.

Phil revealed that his fish of choice has always been – tilapia. “A lot of the different fish available have a higher count of mercury.”, said Phil. Since tilapia has a scant amount of mercury, Phil had his poisoning concerns addressed. By the end of prep, Heath ate almost eight to twelve pounds of food a day, which meant he consumed a lot of tilapia.

The Mr. Olympia winner also said he liked to eat orange rough. “But as much as I can eat of it, it doesn’t work out so good. You end up smelling like fish.”, said Heath. He also recalled too much orange rough once caused digestive problems, and that’s something Phil couldn’t afford just eight weeks before the show.

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However, Phil also had various kinds of meat, such as beef, turkey, and chicken. Phil also ate as much lean meat as possible and avoided cuts with higher fat content.

Phil Heath didn’t win the 2018 Mr. Olympia

At the 2018 Mr. Olympia contest, Phill attempted to equal Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman‘s record of eight Mr. Olympia titles. However, Shawn Rhoden defeated Phil to claim his first Mr. Olympia title.

Rhoden was a few months over 43 when the contest took place, making him the oldest competitor to win a Sandow.

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Heath then took a year break. However, when he returned, Phil finished in third place behind Brandon Curry and winner Mamdouh Elssbiay. The seven-time Mr. Olympia hasn’t competed since 2020.