?For 25 Years, Eating Was a Part of My Job?: What Happened to His 10000 Calories a Day Diet When Michael Phelps Said Goodbye to Swimming

23-time Olympic gold medalist?Michael Phelps, one can say, is the embodiment of discipline. Phelps retired from the sport in 2016 after the Rio Olympics. Phelps followed a rigorous routine of six hours of swimming practice and a 10,000-calorie diet in his competitive phase. While retirement seems like a lot of rest and stress-free life, it has its challenges, such as adapting to a new way of life.

The swimming G.O.A.T transcended to the highest level of triumph with a combined total of unprecedented 28 Olympic medals. Phelps practiced a diligent lifestyle and directed every single act during his 25 years of chasing his dream to achieve the zenith. In 2021, the swimming legend revealed how eating as a part of his job helped him to understand what his body needs to stay healthy post-retirement.

?I?m not trying to plow food into my system now?

The ‘Baltimore Bullet’ followed a superhuman diet to cater to the energy demands of the sport. His retirement brought with it a need for a slew of changes as revealed?in a 2021 interview with Australian Men’sHealth. Having worked with a team that took care of his fitness and nutrition requirements, Phelps developed an awareness of??how everything works.?

?For 25 years, eating was a part of my job,? he said. Post-retirement, he put on 30-35 pounds. Noting the significant changes he was going through, Phelps understood he had to switch to a routine that fit the new phase. He focussed on building and repairing muscle.

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Phelps began to incorporate a diet with a lot of vegetables. Also, included a salad for every meal. Besides, he started to eat during the right hours. Besides diet, Phelps focused on good sleep to be his best by getting 7 to 9 hours of rest.

Michael Phelps? post-retirement breakfast

Phelps aspired to make sure he maintains a healthy body. Despite retirement, he wakes up early, makes breakfast, does some cardio, and occasionally spends time in the pool.

He makes a protein-rich smoothie for breakfast??that had spinach, almond milk, cacao nibs, figs and protein powder.??Sometimes, eggs depend on his sons? interests. What do you think about Phelps’ understanding of the changes after retirement? Share in the comments.

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