Does Michael Phelps Consume 10,000 Calories Even Post-Retirement?

Athletes consume a copious amount of calories while training for major global meets. Since they burn substantial amounts of calories when following strenuous training schedules, it can lead to glycogen depletion. Therefore, it is not surprising to hear that Michael Phelps consumed about 10,000 calories regularly during the height of his career.

However, it is fascinating to visualize the diet of athletes once they retire from their respective sports. Let’s look at the diet of the most accomplished Olympian now that the athlete has retired from competitive swimming.

Does Phelps still consume 10,000 calories daily?

A rumor started circulating during the 2008 Beijing Olympics involving the diet of the GOAT of swimming. It stated that Phelps consumed 12,000 calories in a day to keep his body working to its potential.

However, the 28-time Olympic medalist quickly dismissed these rumors when he opened up about his daily calorie intake in his autobiography, No Limits: The Will to Succeed.

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Addressing his daily calorie regime in the book, Phelps wrote, “Maybe eight to ten thousand calories per day.”

But the five-time Olympian does not keep up with his previous diet that made headlines. It is especially so since he no longer has to maintain his strict training regime.

Discussing his post-retirement routine in a recent interview, Phelps said, “I’m up between 5:30 and 6:30, usually because of a screaming child.”

“I know how important food is, so I always start to eat very early,” the swimmer adds, emphasizing the significance of food.

Moreover, he said, “I would like to say I’m the chef in the house. I make most breakfasts and every dinner, and I’m always trying to incorporate as many nutrients as possible because I’ve always treated my body like it’s a high-performance race car.”

This statement directly contradicts a previous statement he made sitting in a Chinese restaurant more than a decade back.

Previously, speaking about his diet in an interview, Phelps retorted, “I don’t cook — at all. I was told that I was supposed to eat between eight and 10,000 calories a day. I just sort of try to cram whatever I can into my body. It’s pretty much whatever I feel like eating, I’m going to eat.”

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What does Michael Phelps have for breakfast?

Now that his responsibilities have grown, the father of three has deviated from his previous stance.

Providing a glimpse of what their breakfast plate looks like, Michael said, “Usually I’ll make a smoothie that has spinach, almond milk, cacao nibs, figs, and Silk Ultra (I love the creamy chocolate), and I’ll also have a cup of coffee. Or, I’ll make some eggs. Really depends on what the boys are feeling, too.”

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Additionally, the swimmer has stated that lunch is his “most inconsistent” meal since he would grab another breakfast after working out at the gym. Moreover, the athlete is currently focusing on a healthy diet for the family, comprising numerous vegetables for lunch and dinner.