logo
Inside mad diet of World's Strongest Man competitor with £12,000 food bill, ‘Monster Mash' meal and NEVER drinking water

Inside mad diet of World's Strongest Man competitor with £12,000 food bill, ‘Monster Mash' meal and NEVER drinking water

Scottish Sun16-05-2025

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
STRONGMAN Mitchell Hooper claims that he NEVER drinks water as part of the crazy diet that costs him over £12,000 every year.
Hooper, 29, was the World's Strongest Man in 2023 and finished second in last year's competition - and his bonkers diet helps him remain one of the best strongman competitors in the sport.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
10
Strongman Mitchell Hooper spends a fortune on food to keep his World's Strongest Man physique
Credit: Instagram @mitchellhooper
10
Hooper easts almost three times the daily recommended calories
Credit: World's Strongest Man/Joe Martinez
Candian Hooper, nicknamed 'The Moose', eats almost THREE times the daily recommended calories for an adult male in the UK on a daily basis.
And his diet is made up of his special "Monster Mash" meals and "Creamsicle" drinks to drive up his protein intake and get him in the best shape possible for competition by eating over 6,200 CALORIES.
On an average day Hooper consumes around 440g of protein, which is EIGHT times more than the recommended protein intake for a male in the UK, according to the British Heart Foundation.
Breakfast is either six eggs, a protein shake, avocado and banana or a giant bowl of Reese's Puffs cereal with protein shake poured over the top instead of milk, with protein balls and raisin bread.
However, whatever breakfast he chooses it will always be accompanied by his drink of choice - the 'Creamsicle'.
His own invention, the Creamsicle is a full glass of orange juice mixed with 3/4 of a cup of Greek yoghurt to boost his protein intake.
On his YouTube channel, where he boasts 428,000 subscribers, Hooper said: "It's as much plain Greek yoghurt as I can get diluted into the orange juice.
"I aim to eat one tub of Greek yoghurt every day. It's really good for your gut health, really good macronutrients and it gets your protein in".
10
Hooper mixes yoghurt and orange juice together to make his 'Creamsicle' drink
Credit: YouTube/Mitchell Hooper
10
Hooper sinks a Creamsicle drink with his breakfast and his lunch
Credit: Youtube/mitchell hooper
10
The extra protein helps him to build muscle for competition
Credit: World's Strongest Man/Joe Martinez
Most people would move on to lunch after their breakfast, but Hooper moves onto his FIRST lunch of two.
That would normally be his "Monster Mash", a mix of ground beef, white rice and beef broth.
The less you can chew the less full you're going to feel
Mitchell Hooper
Wesley Derwinsky shows his strength with the moving medley at the Magnus Classic
It's not the easiest task to keep down beef and rice every single day, so Hooper adds broth to help things go down a little better.
He explained: "The Monster Mash is really good with the beef broth because it just makes the food a little bit moist.
"The less you can chew the less full you're going to feel. There's processes in the body that means that chewing can make you feel full.
"Also, the faster you eat the less full you'll feel and this helps get the food down relatively quickly".
Hooper chows down on an astonishing amount of meat during his weekly intake, eating one steak and 450g of ground beef every day.
Which means the reigning Arnold Strongman Classic champion is stomaching a whopping 3.2kg of ground beef and seven steaks every single week.
Over the course of a year, that equates to roughly AN ENTIRE COW'S worth of beef, with Hooper admitting that even he gets sick of ground beef from time to time.
Both lunches will of course be accompanied by a Creamsicle drink.
10
Hooper eats ground beef, white rice and beef broth for lunch - twice
Credit: Youtube/mitchell hooper
10
He eats the equivalent of an adult cow per year in beef
Credit: World's Strongest Man/Joe Martinez
Throughout the day Hooper snacks on rice cakes to make sure he's taking in low-fat high-carb food, explaining that finding that balance is "one of the hardest things" for him to do.
Dinner will depend on what's being made at home by Hooper and wife Ashley, but generally pasta, chicken and tomato sauce will bring his meals for the day to an end.
I don't drink water, ever.
Mitchell Hooper
Unbelievably, Hooper revealed that alongside all those foods, he NEVER drinks water.
He said: "I don't drink water, ever. Diet Coke, milk and orange juice - that's it".
Hooper also makes sure he necks a protein shake every day too.
While he also has a weakness for ice cream , and admitted he will often eat TWO TUBS in one night.
Hooper said: "Four tubs won't last a whole week, but I pretend I'm not going to eat ice cream every day, and then I usually eat two tubs".
Incredible cost
The Ontario-born Strongman admitted that cookie dough is another one of his vices.
But explained that keeping weight on is only going to benefit him when it comes to competition.
He said: "I need to maintain my energy and fat stores because, in the end, being heavier helps you move more weight."
The crazy amount of food would bring Hooper's average weekly shop - just for himself - to around £230.
Which means he spends about £12,000 on food every single year - almost a third of the average UK salary.
Even he admitted that being a strongman isn't particularly profitable when you talk into account the cash splashed on simply maintaining the right physique.
He said: "Strongman isn't the most profitable thing in the world, so if you want to become a strongman maybe think twice about the cost that it's going to be to feed you".
10
10
Hooper has a weakness for ice cream
Credit: Instagram @mitchellhooper

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Doctors said my baby boy had colic – now he lives with a lifelong seizure disorder and too many brain tumours to count
Doctors said my baby boy had colic – now he lives with a lifelong seizure disorder and too many brain tumours to count

Scottish Sun

time3 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Doctors said my baby boy had colic – now he lives with a lifelong seizure disorder and too many brain tumours to count

Thomas, now 13, has daily seizures - sometimes lasting up to three hours at a time - and uses a wheelchair DEVASTATING IMPACT Doctors said my baby boy had colic – now he lives with a lifelong seizure disorder and too many brain tumours to count Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN five-month-old Thomas Ward began screaming inconsolably on Valentine's Day in 2012, doctors told his mum Philippa that he likely had colic and might be teething. Nine days later, 'the bottom fell out' of Philippa's world when her son was diagnosed with a genetic disorder that causes tumours to form on numerous organs, including the brain. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Thomas has a genetic disorder which causes tumours to grow on his brain 6 Doctors initially told his mum Philippa that he likely had colic or was teething Thomas is now 13 and has "more tumours than doctors can count". His devastating condition impacts nearly every aspect of his life, causing developmental delays, terrifying three-hour seizures, and the need for a wheelchair. Here, Philippa, 47, a communications professional from York, tells their story… 'YOU can't possibly think Thomas is having seizures, can you?' I will never forget the response from the out-of-hours doctor when I took my then-five-month-old son to the hospital one weekend in February 2012 after he began behaving unusually, crying incessantly and making strange, jerky movements. We were dismissed and told it was likely a simple case of colic - when a baby cries a lot but there is no obvious cause - or that he might be teething. Unhappy with this outcome, and as the symptoms continued, a few days later I took Thomas to see our local GP. She agreed he was behaving unusually and wrote to the paediatrician at the local hospital. There was no indication that Thomas had a medical problem that needed to be urgently addressed, but my instincts told me otherwise. The following day, I packed a bag, took my older son Ben to nursery and walked to A&E with Thomas. Mum shares red-flag warning sign on her baby's head that turned out to be meningitis - triggering 15 seizures As soon as the doctor saw him, he diagnosed Thomas with infantile spasms - a rare and damaging form of epilepsy. He then revealed my wonderful little boy might have tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), but he would have to be transferred to a larger hospital for an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis. It was a terrifying time. February 29 is recognised around the world as Rare Disease Day, and it also happens to be the day Thomas was officially diagnosed with TSC, which causes tumours to form on the eyes, heart, kidneys, skin, lungs and brain. My legs gave way when we found out. It felt as though the bottom had fallen out of my world. My husband David and I learned that our son had numerous tumours on his brain and that they could cause cognitive impairment, developmental delays, behavioural problems, autism spectrum disorder, and seizures, which often cannot be adequately controlled using standard medications. We were also told that there are no approved therapies that address the root cause of TSC, so our only care options for Thomas were various therapies, symptom-based medications and possibly surgery. The days that followed were a blur. 6 Philippa, from York, says her son's condition affects their lives every single day 6 Thomas now has 'too many tumours on his brain to count' Despite an estimated one million people living with it worldwide, TSC is classified as a rare disease. If Thomas hadn't been diagnosed with it, I'd probably never have heard of it myself. Thomas underwent a few more tests before being discharged from hospital. As we were leaving, the neurologist handed us a leaflet from the Tuberous Sclerosis Association (TSA) - the UK charity dedicated to helping families affected by TSC. It felt like a strange consolation prize after receiving such a massive, life-changing diagnosis, but it became a lifeline, signposting to many of the resources and support available to us. We also joined a newly-formed Facebook group for other parents of children with TSC, and through that met some people who have gone on to become friends. But TSC continues to affect us every single day. There is nothing more heartbreaking than hearing a toddler shout: 'Seizure, seizure!' Philippa Ward Thomas is now 13, and like many people with TSC, he experiences seizures most days. At one point, Thomas was having up to eight seizures a day. Today, he typically still has at least one, usually right after waking up. They can last up to three hours at a time. He is not able to verbally communicate and has delayed motor skills. He often uses a wheelchair for outings to ensure his safety. Thomas requires regular medical scans and monitoring to track his tumours - there are now too many on his brain to count. He has been on numerous anti-epileptic medications, but none have fully relieved him from the exhausting seizures. TSC has put our entire family on a rollercoaster ride. As parents, there has been so much to learn about having a child with complex medical and developmental needs. FAMILY IMPACT It is especially difficult for us to witness the effect on our elder son, Ben. By age three, he could recognise a seizure and learned to alert us if Thomas was having one. There is nothing more heartbreaking than hearing a toddler shout: 'Seizure, seizure!' Ben, now 15, is very aware of his brother's needs. He understands the importance of being quiet in the evenings so Thomas can sleep. There are many activities we can't do as a family due to safety and accessibility issues. As a young carer, Carers UK provides him with support and resources when needed. 6 The now-13-year-old has seizures every day, sometimes lasting three hours at a time 6 He is a 'lovely young man with a vibrant personality', his mum says Despite the challenges Thomas has faced throughout his life, he remains a lovely young man with a vibrant personality and clear passions. He is a remarkable problem solver and even though he cannot speak, he is able to communicate very effectively when he wants something. He's a gentle and affectionate soul and a joy to be around. Thomas' favourite foods are chips, toast and avocado - he also loves ketchup and mayonnaise. He enjoys going on train rides, car journeys, watching YouTube videos and listening to music. His favourite person in the world is his big brother. One of the most important things we've learned since Thomas' diagnosis is the importance of community, especially one that understands your unique circumstances. What is tuberous sclerosis complex? ABOUT one million people worldwide are living with tuberous sclerosis complex, and up to 11,000 are diagnosed in the UK. It causes non-cancerous tumours to grow on the brain, as well as the eyes, heart, skin, kidneys and lungs. These tumours, which impact the central nervous system, can result in cognitive impairment, developmental delays, behavioural problems, autism, and seizures, which often can't be controlled by standard medicines. The condition can also cause skin abnormalities (such as patches of light-coloured or thickened skin, or red acne-like spots on the face), breathing difficulties, hyperactivity, kidney issues and a build-up of fluid on the brain. TSC is present from birth, although it may not cause obvious problems immediately. It is caused by changes in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene, which are involved in regulating cell growth. There is no cure, but medicine, surgery and educational support can help. Many people with TSC will have a normal lifespan, although a number of life-threatening complications can develop. These include a loss of kidney function, a serious lung infection called bronchopneumonia and a severe type of epileptic seizure called status epilepticus. Patients may also have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as kidney cancer, but this is rare. Source: NHS Families impacted by serious conditions, especially rare diseases, often find themselves feeling isolated and alone in the weeks and months following a diagnosis. We are hugely fortunate to have our own family close by, and they are a great support to us, as is the wider TSC community around the UK and beyond. Since Thomas' diagnosis, I have done everything in my power to advocate for TSC awareness. I took part in the Great North Run to raise money for the TSA, have spoken at conferences and awareness events, shared our family's story with my workplace, and advocated for the TSC community within the NHS. There are a number of messages that I hope people take away from our family's story. Firstly, research for rare diseases like TSC is critical. While only between 3,700 and 11,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with TSC, each of these diagnoses impacts everyone in the patient's life. 'On constant alert' Having a treatment for TSC would be amazing. Thomas' frequent seizures require everyone in our house to be on constant alert. It's not easy, but Thomas is a wonderful young man, and he makes it all worthwhile. We remain hopeful that there will one day be a treatment that can improve Thomas' quality of life - and ours. I also want to remind parents of children with TSC, or any rare disease, of the importance of living in the present. When your child is diagnosed with a condition like TSC, it's understandable to ask: Why does my child have this disease? What will our future look like? We immediately begin grieving the child we thought we would have. I still don't fully understand why Thomas has TSC, but David and I are able to find tremendous joy in our lives with our son every day. The best things we can do are keep him safe, meet him where he is, help him enjoy life, and love every part of who he is. I look forward to the day when Thomas and others with TSC can access safe and effective treatment options. Until then, I am committed to making the world more inclusive and understanding.

New ‘Ozempic pill' is better than ‘skinny jabs' and helps you lose weight even faster, study suggests
New ‘Ozempic pill' is better than ‘skinny jabs' and helps you lose weight even faster, study suggests

Scottish Sun

time4 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

New ‘Ozempic pill' is better than ‘skinny jabs' and helps you lose weight even faster, study suggests

The new weight loss pill has seen promising results and offers hope to millions WEIGH TO GO New 'Ozempic pill' is better than 'skinny jabs' and helps you lose weight even faster, study suggests Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW 'Ozempic pill' leads to faster weight loss than the popular 'skinny jabs', studies have suggested. The new weight loss medication, which can also be offered by injection, can help patients lose a significant amount of weight. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The new weight loss pill has seen promising results in early trials Credit: Getty An early study found that patients who received amycretin as a weekly jab lost 24% of their body weight after 36 weeks of treatment. But initial trials assessing a tablet form of the jab saw promising results with patients losing an average 13% of bodyweight in just three months. This suggests the drug leads to greater weight loss than Wegovy, the 'sister jab' of Ozempic. Such treatments have been called transformative by NHS leaders. It's estimated that around 1.5 million Brits currently receive weight loss jabs through specialist weight loss services or private prescriptions. But weight pills offer a new hope to millions looking to lose weight as the injections put additional pressure on an overstretched NHS. However, further clinical trials are needed before the treatment can be made available in the UK. This could take several years and there's no guarantee that regulators will approve the use of the drug. Amycretin, made by Novo Nordisk, contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy and helps control blood sugar and appetite. It targets specific receptors in the body - the GLP-1 and amylin receptors - helping you feel full and stops overeating. An early trial published in The Lancet found that 125 adults taking weekly injections containing higher doses of the drug lost nearly a quarter of their body weight after 36 weeks. It also showed signs of improving blood sugar levels. However, there were some mild to moderate side effects including nausea and vomiting but these were resolved by the end of the treatment. Experts said that the medicine appeared "safe and tolerable" but further studies were needed to fully assess the drug. But a second trial, also published in The Lancet, assessed the drug in tablet form in 144 people. Those taking the highest dose of 100mg lost 13% of their body weight over four months. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons The authors wrote: "Amycretin effectively lowered body weight and improved metabolic and glycaemic parameters in people who were overweight or obese. "Longer studies with more participants are warranted for evaluation of the safety and efficacy of amycretin in individuals living with obesity and type 2 diabetes, and to optimise the dosing regimen." As with the first trial, there were also some mild to moderate side effects including loss of appetite and similar gastrointestinal issues. It comes as a separate study examined the effects of the weight-loss jab, Wegovy, at higher doses. The researchers found that giving patients 7.2mg of Wegovy once a week led to an average weight loss of 21%, with a third of participants losing 25% of their body weight over 72 weeks. The studies were also presented to the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions in Chicago.

Vicky Pattison makes 'worried' admission as she gives update on 'struggles'
Vicky Pattison makes 'worried' admission as she gives update on 'struggles'

Daily Mirror

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Vicky Pattison makes 'worried' admission as she gives update on 'struggles'

Vicky Pattison has opened up about her "struggles" with food and admitted she has concerns over the use of weight loss jabs. The former Geordie Shore star has previously been open about her battle with "disordered eating" Vicky Pattison has candidly shared her "struggles" with food while voicing her concerns about weight loss jabs. The former queen of the jungle, known for her victory in I'm A Me Out of Here!, has previously discussed her battles with "disordered eating". The reality TV star revealed that she used to count how many blueberries were in her porridge, "restrict calories" and "weaponise exercise" during her lightest periods. Conversely, Vicky confessed to times when she "ate what she wanted" but was then "cruel" to herself. ‌ It comes as Vicky, 37, admits she has her reservations about people using weight loss jabs. The Geordie Shore alum says people using the jabs feels like a "step back" for body positivity. ‌ She expressed her "worries" about the contents of these jabs in an interview with The Sun, questioning: "I've seen women online losing weight on the skinny jabs and they're feeling great and have new-found confidence, and that sounds amazing for them, but do we really know what we're putting into our bodies? No. "I don't think we've got enough information about them, have we? That's what I'm always worried about. It feels like a bit of a step back." Vicky says it is an "absolute shame" that after years of "embracing the body positivity movement" people have started saying "I never wanted to be curvy actually, I always wanted to be skinny." Although the star has "no judgement" towards anyone deciding to take weight loss jabs. She added: "As someone who's spent her life struggling with noise around food and what people thought about us, being the big girl and all the rest of it, whatever makes people happy is none of my business." Currently in England and Wales, doctors have the option to prescribe weight loss injections on the NHS. Treatments such as Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro can be prescribed, with the latter requiring a specialist's involvement. ‌ Vicky, who tied the knot with Ercan Ramadan last year, shared three pictures of herself at different weights on Instagram in August. She used the post to open up about how she felt about her body. In the post, the celebrity penned: "I used to be cruel to the girl in the first photo... I let her eat what she wanted but I constantly berated her. Called her names and made her feel worthless. Just because of a number on a scale." ‌ The conversation continued as she reflected: "I was cruel to the girl in the second photo as well but in an entirely different way. I would count how many blueberries I put on my porridge, restrict my calories and weaponise exercise. That girl was a nervous wreck." Vicky acknowledged that she was "unhappy" when looking at both photos. She confessed that during those times, she combated "anxiety" and "disordered eating." Adding to her confession, she stated: "Both of these extremes didn't bring me happiness- the unhealthy practices I put my body through over the years brought me anxiety, disordered eating and low self worth. "And even though I'd like to think I've changed and I'm in a better place now- these pictures always serve as a stark reminder of what I put myself through. And what I don't want other women to put themselves through."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store