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Hot dog eating contestants are able to eat dozens of hot dogs in a short time due to training, technique, mindset, stomach capacity, and strategic eating methods. They expand their stomachs over time, perfect speed eating methods, visualize success, stay hydrated, use water or shakes to help swallow, and more. The top competitors have turned eating into a science to achieve records of 70+ hot dogs in 10 minutes.
Every 4th of July, thousands of fans gather at Coney Island in New York City to witness one of the most epic eating competitions in the world – the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The contest attracts the top competitive eaters who battle to see who can consume the most hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes.
The hot dog eating contest was first held in 1916, and over the decades records have fallen as competitors have pushed just how far the human body can go in the act of speed eating. The current men’s record belongs to Joey Chestnut, who in 2020 ate a staggering 75 hot dogs and buns, breaking his own prior record of 74. On the women’s side, Miki Sudo holds the record at 48.5 hot dogs and buns eaten in 10 minutes.
To the average person, these numbers seem extraordinary and even impossible. Eating just 2 or 3 hot dogs in 10 minutes would be a challenge for most people. So how exactly are competitive eaters able to consume 60, 70, or even more hot dogs and buns in such a short time frame? It comes down to techniques, training, physiological adaptations, and the right mindset and mental strategies.
Physical Adaptations and Stomach Capacity
Perhaps the most important factor that allows competitive eaters to eat so much is that their stomachs have been physically altered and stretched from extensive training to be able to hold more food. This larger stomach capacity is similar to how athletes’ muscles grow and strengthen from training.
The average person has a stomach that can hold about 1 liter in volume when fully distended. In contrast, top ranked competitive eating champion Joey Chestnut is estimated to have a stomach capacity of over 1.5 gallons when stretched to the max.
To expand their stomachs to this degree, competitive eaters gradually increase how much they eat in each training session over months and years. For example, they may start by trying to eat 5 hot dogs in 5 minutes. Once they are able to do so comfortably, they’ll move up to 6 hot dogs in 5 minutes. Over time they’ll work their way up to eating dozens of hot dogs in a single training session in order to expand that stomach capacity.
This calibrated, gradual increase in capacity allows the stomach to slowly adapt and accommodate larger volumes without tearing or dangerously over-distending. In fact, imaging studies on professional competitive eaters have found that their stomachs appear quite normal even when holding amounts of food that would cause most people pain and discomfort.
Swallowing and Eating Techniques
In addition to physiology, competitive eaters also optimize the mechanical actions and motions involved in speed eating. This includes perfecting the most efficient ways to pick up hot dogs, move them into the mouth, chew quickly, and most importantly, swallow rapidly.
Chewing is minimized – hot dogs are typically broken into smaller pieces with the hands then lubricated by water before swallowing. This decreases the amount of chewing required.
Specialized drinking techniques are used to quickly wash down food. Competitors practice taking continuous sips of water or shakes while simultaneously eating, using gulps of liquid to efficiently flush the food down.
Precise head, neck and jaw motions are optimized to essentially toss food to the back of the mouth and upper throat where swallowing occurs. Top competitors like Joey Chestnut have practiced and perfected this tossing method to the point they can swallow entire hot dogs in just 1-2 secs, minimizing the time required between bites.
Mindset and Mental Strategies
While physical training allows competitive eaters to fit more in their stomachs and perfect mechanics, mental strategies are equally important. After all, eating competitions are just as much a mental sport as physical.
Here are some of the psychological techniques and mindsets competitive eaters use:
– Visualization – Imagining a successful outcome. Top competitors will visualize setting new records and winning.
– Confidence – Approaching the contest with focus and confidence that their training will pay off.
– Disassociation – Not allowing feelings of fullness or discomfort distract from continuing to eat. They “zone out” and ignore signals to stop.
– Compartmentalization – Breaking the task into smaller chunks. For example focusing on getting through 1 minute at a time rather than 10 minutes.
– Positivity – Reframing thoughts from negative to positive. Viewing feelings of fullness as progress towards expanding capacity.
– Urgency – Maintaining a sense of urgency and rapid pace throughout. Not allowing themselves to slow down until time expires.
These mental strategies keep competitive eaters focused, blocking out distractions and feelings of fullness in order to unlock their true potential on competition day.
Physical Training and Preparation
In the weeks and months leading up to a major eating competition, pro eaters kick their training programs into high gear. Joey Chestnut reports he trains by eating 70-80 hot dogs in a single sitting in the months prior to Nathan’s contest.
Aside from sheer volume, competitors also train speed. They’ll put a time limit on training sessions to practice eating more quickly and efficiently.
Other aspects of training and preparation include:
– Stomach stretching – Gradual progression of volume and duration of eating sessions.
– Jaw strength – Chewing gum or other exercises to build jaw and throat endurance.
– Trying contest foods – Practicing with the actual competition foods, like Nathan’s hot dogs.
– Studying strategy – Reviewing tape of previous contests to analyze and refine techniques.
– Traveling to contest – Arriving early to acclimate to the local climate and time zone.
– Hydrating – Drinking extra fluids in the days before to ensure well hydrated.
Proper training and preparation ensures competitive eaters peak on competition day both physically and mentally.
Strategic Eating Methods
Eating strategically is vital in competitions, as every second counts. Here are some of the strategic eating techniques competitive eaters employ:
– Starting fast – They start at an all-out pace of eating to get ahead early in the contest. A quick start allows some margin for slowing later.
– Rhythm – Finding a rapid, steady rhythm of picking up, dunking, and swallowing hot dogs. This rhythm minimizes wasted motions.
– Rotation – Rotating bites between buns and hot dogs to break up flavors. Switching foods helps avoid taste fatigue.
– Dipping – Dunking eaten portions in water both softens the food and allows it to be stacked and quickly swallowed.
– Breaking apart – Using hands to break hot dogs into smaller pieces for easy swallowing.
– Layering – Stacked swallowing where portions of several hot dogs are prepared and swallowed in rapid succession.
– Leverage from drink – Taking a gulp of liquid while food portions are chomping or swallowed to help “flush” it down.
These strategic eating techniques allow top competitors like Joey Chestnut to achieve record paces of eating over 70 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
After Competition Recovery
While training allows competitive eaters’ bodies adapt to consume extreme amounts of food during contests, afterward they still face consequences. Eating dozens of hot dogs in minutes comes at a price.
Negative effects competitors often report after contests include:
– Extreme fullness and discomfort
– Stomach cramps and pain
– Indigestion and nausea lasting for hours
– Diarrhea and other digestive issues
– Dehydration from excess salt intake
– Physical exhaustion
To counteract these effects, competitive eaters focus on recovery just like any athlete after an event. Recovery strategies include:
– Hydrating with electrolyte-filled drinks
– Resting and allowing the body to digest and recover
– Light, easily digestible meals in the following days
– Probiotic supplements to help restore beneficial gut bacteria
– Avoiding overly greasy, acidic or spicy foods that can further irritate the digestive tract
– Gentle cardio exercise like walking to help restore circulation and motility
Through proper rest and nutrition, top competitive eaters can recover in just a couple days, allowing them to train at full capacity shortly after.
Dangers and Health Risks
While competitive eaters adapt to be able to consume extreme amounts of food, taking the body to its limits does come with dangers and consequences if done improperly. Documented health risks include:
– Stomach perforation or rupture – Extreme over-distension can cause stomach tearing requiring emergency surgery. Some eaters expand stomachs far too rapidly.
– Aspiration pneumonia – Food entering airways and lungs, causing infection. Improper techniques for speed swallowing increases this risk.
– Peptic ulcers and esophageal tears – Years of pushing the limits can cause tissue damage and erosion.
– Delayed stomach emptying – Over-distension results in food sitting in stomach longer, causing pain, nausea and vomiting.
– Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance – Consuming salty foods and drinks without proper hydration before and after.
– Nutritional imbalance – Lack of nutrient diversity from eating mostly hot dogs. Could lead to certain vitamin/mineral deficiencies long-term.
– Toxicity from preservatives – High intake of nitrites, sulfates and other preservatives found in processed meats.
Additionally, the act of eating dozens of hot dogs likely impacts hormones like leptin and ghrelin which regulate hunger and satiety. This may explain why some former competitive eaters gain significant weight after retiring.
Nonetheless, top competitors take precautions through careful training and preparation to minimize health risks. They also retire once their bodies show signs of struggling to maintain the extreme capacity.
Why Do Competitors Subject Themselves to This?
Pushing the body to its limits by consuming extreme amounts of food in minutes poses many challenges and health risks. So why do people choose to become professional competitive eaters?
For most, it starts as a challenge among friends, but then evolves into a drive to keep besting personal records. The act of eating becomes an intense sport.
Other motivations include:
– Competitiveness – Desire to be the best and beat competitors. Qualifying for prestigious events like Nathan’s contest.
– Fame – Chance to gain recognition and fame in the competitive eating community. Some leverage it for social media fame.
– Prize money – Top eating contests award prize money, with Nathan’s awarding $40,000 to winners. Supplements eating income.
– Enjoyment – Some simply enjoy the sensations of eating and pushing limits. The satisfaction of accomplishing something extreme.
– Travelling – Competitions provide opportunities to travel and visit new cities across the country.
So while outsiders may see speed eating contests as extreme or unhealthy, the top competitors are driven internally by competitiveness, enjoyment of the sport, and pride in mastering a wild but impressive skill.
Hot Dog Eating Training Diet
To expand stomach capacity and work up to eating dozens of hot dogs in minutes, competitive eaters follow specialized diets during training.
This includes:
– High protein – To support muscle growth including stomach expansion. Protein shakes are staples.
– High carb – For energy and calorie needs from the intense training volume. Pastas, rice, potatoes and breads help meet carb demands.
– High calorie – Overall calories are increased substantially to facilitate growth of stomach capacity. Easy to digest fats from oils, nuts, avocados and dairy are encouraged.
– Low fiber – Bulky fibrous foods are minimized as they take longer to digest and can cause discomfort when stretching the stomach.
– Low fat meats – Fatty proteins like beef and pork are avoided. Leaner proteins like chicken breast and fish make digestion easier.
– Limited raw vegetables – The fiber content in raw vegetables makes them harder on the stomach. Cooked vegetables are favored.
– Limited fats – Greasy, fried foods can cause digestive discomfort. Leaner cooking methods preferred.
– Smoothies and protein shakes – Easy to digest meal replacements.
– Hydration – Drinking ample fluids keeps the digestion system functioning well and prevents dehydration.
Following a structured, high calorie diet optimized for stomach stretching allows competitive eaters’ bodies adapt to increase capacity safely over time.
Typical Training Day Schedule and Meals
Here’s an example of what a training day may look like for a competitive eater along with sample meals:
Morning
– 7am – Wake Up
– 7:30am – 2 mile walk
– 8am – Breakfast smoothie with protein powder, banana, peanut butter and milk
– 9am – Training session – Work towards eating 20+ hot dogs and buns
Mid Morning Snack
– 11am – Protein shake
– Fruit (e.g. berries, apple)
Lunch
– 12pm – Sandwich with turkey, cheese, lettuce and tomato
– Yogurt
– Pretzels
– Iced tea
Mid Afternoon Snack
– 3pm – Cottage cheese
– Granola bar
Dinner
– 6pm – Grilled chicken
– White rice
– Cooked vegetables
– Dinner roll
Evening
– 8:30pm – Casein protein shake before bed
As displayed in this sample schedule, competitive eaters fuel their bodies all day long. This replenishes calories burned from intense training while providing the raw energy and protein needed to facilitate stomach expansion and growth.
Joey Chestnut’s Training Diet
To maintain his seat atop the competitive eating world, Joey Chestnut follows an extremely rigorous training diet in the months before Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
His daily diet includes:
– 5,000+ calories
– 200+ grams of protein
– Plenty of complex carbs like oatmeal, rice, quinoa and potatoes
– Lean meats like chicken and fish
– Protein shakes and smoothies
– Vegetables and fruits
– Water, sports drinks and electrolyte beverages for hydration
He limits fats, oils, sodium and high fiber foods that could cause digestive issues with his expanded stomach capacity.
In the final weeks before Nathan’s, Chestnut transitions his training to focus on capacity. He’ll attempt to eat 70-80 hot dogs in a single practice session, even more than the contest requirement. This ensures his stomach is prepared to set a new world record.
After competition, he returns to a more normal diet to allow his body to recover and rebuild for the next training cycle.
Miki Sudo’s Training and Diet
On the women’s side, Miki Sudo holds the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest record at 48.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Her training diet shares similarities with Chestnut’s:
– 4,000+ calories
– High protein like chicken, fish, Greek yogurt
– Complex carbs such as rice, quinoa, fruit
– Healthy fats in moderation
– At least 1 gallon of water daily
– Limiting added sugars, junk food and alcohol
However, Sudo notes she struggles to consume as many calories through whole foods alone. To boost calories, she relies on weight gain shakes and homemade smoothies blended with peanut butter, bananas and protein powder.
Leading up to contests, she trains her capacity by eating dozens of hot dogs in a single sitting until she’s confident she can break her own record.
Proper nutrition gives Miki Sudo and Joey Chestnut the energy and recovery ability needed to expand their stomachs far past normal levels.
Conclusion
Dominating the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest requires extreme dedication to competitive eating training. Top athletes like Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo have honed their skills and physiology over years to be able to consume 70+ hot dogs in 10 minutes.
Through stomach capacity training, strategic eating methods, optimized techniques and the perfect competitive mindset, the body and mind can adapt to achieve seemingly impossible eating feats. It’s a reminder of how the human body can be conditioned well beyond its normal limits given the right fitness regimen.
While competitive eating does come with health risks if done recklessly, top competitors mitigate those risks through careful preparation. For them, the sport of speed eating provides a thrill and chance to accomplish something unique.
So while our stomachs may ache just imagining consuming dozens of hot dogs in minutes, the Nathan’s contest reminds us just how far human performance can be pushed with rigorous, dedicated training.
