Leave a teenager to their own devices and their diet might resemble that of Hunter McIntyre.

Ice cream, booze, and absolutely, positively no vegetables. For the three-time Hyrox World Champion and six-time OCR World Champion, known as ‘the Sheriff’, this unorthodox diet has proved to work wonders. While most nutritionists might raise an eyebrow, McIntyre’s performance speaks volumes. At 36, he boasts an enviable physique and remarkable endurance, thriving on an eating regimen that few would dare emulate.

A Competitive Mindset

Recently, following a silver-medal finish at the Hyrox World Championships, McIntyre reflected on his diet during a laid-back evening at his Malibu home. While engrossed in a heated game of Magic: The Gathering, he recounted, “My buddy and I were playing, and I only had time to eat a ton of nuts and granola. I got so competitive that I just forgot to eat.”

The Flexible Diet of a Champion

When asked if he follows a strict diet, McIntyre chuckled. “I have Tupperware containers full of chicken and stuff,” he admitted. However, he emphasized that his diet is not confined to rigid rules. “Because the Hyrox season just ended, I have a couple of weeks to chill before ramping up my strength training again. My diet is periodized; I just wrapped up a week of eating ice cream and drinking as much as I could.”

Fueling the Fire

McIntyre’s approach to nutrition is as straightforward as it is unconventional. “I love a double Maker’s Mark on the rocks,” he said, casually brushing off concerns about alcohol consumption. “I can down two to four bottles of wine and not even make a dent. I never get drunk; my metabolism is too fast.” He quipped that he enjoys a piña colada whenever he finds himself in a tropical locale.

• Daily essentials: Strong coffee with collagen, Honey Nut Cheerios, steaks, and an abundance of sugar supplements.
• Snack choices: Nuts, granola, and the occasional indulgent dessert.
• Protein focus: Two to three large steaks daily.

Challenging Traditional Norms

Despite being surrounded by a plethora of health-conscious athletes, McIntyre dismisses the social media trend of carefully curated meals. “You see these perfect plates filled with colorful vegetables, but in reality, they offer zero calorific benefit. It’s all fluff,” he exclaimed. “You’ll run into me in competition, and I’ll smash you because I’ve been eating sugar, creatine, and steak.”

Dr. Emily Hargrave, a sports nutritionist at a leading research university, studied the diets of elite athletes and noted that “while vegetables are lauded for their health benefits, they often make up a small portion of a high-performance athlete’s caloric intake.” She added, “McIntyre’s approach is risky, yet his results may suggest there is more than one way to fuel a champion.”

The Myths of Nutrition

When queried about his aversion to vegetables, McIntyre responded candidly. “Vegetables are girlfriend food,” he stated, chuckling. “Whenever I have my training camps, not one person buys vegetables. I’ve done the vegan thing twice, but I’ve never found data showing that tons of vegetables make a difference in performance.” His perspective aligns with the findings of studies suggesting that a high-calorie intake weighted in proteins and healthy fats is essential for athletes like him.

The Role of Sugar and Carbs

McIntyre claims the average diet of elite athletes comprises 70% carbohydrates, with a notable portion being sugar. “Half of the supplements I take are sugar-based,” he states emphatically. “Real champions don’t need to post to seek attention. I’d rather you see me as a world champ.” This bold assertion casts aside the convention that athletes must adhere strictly to clean eating paradigms.

Diet Adaptations for Performance

As McIntyre’s competitive season ramps up, his dietary adjustments reflect a strategic shift. “As I get further into the season, I start cutting out the rib-eye steak,” he reported. “You lean out with your meat choice or switch to fish and chicken.” He added, “If you think an acai bowl or a smoothie is going to beat me, you’re dead.”

Despite the controversy around his food choices, McIntyre maintains remarkable health. With a body fat percentage often below 10%, he exemplifies an athlete unafraid to challenge norms. A 2022 study from the International Journal of Sports Nutrition supports this idea, showing that individualized dietary strategies can yield significant performance benefits. Dr. Hargrave noted, “It’s crucial to tailor the diet to individual needs and tolerances instead of strictly sticking to traditional health codes.”

Morning Rituals

Start the day, according to McIntyre, involves more than just training. “I have Strong Coffee. It’s got collagen in it and it tastes really good,” he shared. This morning jolt sets the tone for a day filled with high-stakes training and casual indulgence.

Supplementation Strategies

At the heart of his daily routine is Bldr, his own supplement company, where he puts together his aminos with honey for an energy boost. “It’s all part of the game,” he said with a grin, embodying the spirit of a competitor who thrives on unconventional tactics.

Caloric Crunch

As lunchtime nears, it’s the familiar comfort of his favorite cereals. “Tons of Honey Nut Cheerios and milk, and more sugar on top of that. Or I’ll snack on Twinkies,” McIntyre confessed without a hint of regret.

Evenings typically see McIntyre indulging in multiple steaks, echoing his firm belief that calories are the building blocks of strength. “I’m still under 10% body fat while eating two to three big steaks per day,” he stated, a testament to his unique approach to balance and performance.

In the end, Hunter McIntyre’s dietary philosophy rests on an audacious premise: a deliberate defiance of conventional wisdom around nutrition. Through a blend of calorie-dense foods and strategic indulgences, he embodies a new era of athleticism, where success is as much about passion and discipline as it is about what’s on the plate. As he prepares for his next challenges, many will undoubtedly be watching not just for his athletic prowess but for the lessons that emerge from his unapologetically unique relationship with food.

Source: www.menshealth.com