Joey Chestnut revealed how he makes use of “burping workout routines” and dietary restrictions to organize for his return to the Nathan’s Scorching Canine Consuming Contest on July 4.
“I persuade myself that there’s just one consequence [of] this contest,” he instructed The New York Post in an interview printed on Saturday, June 28. “As soon as I believe [my opponents] can see that I’m satisfied, and the viewers is satisfied, it’s actually laborious for them to beat. If I persuade myself, then all people else falls in line.”
The world record-holding aggressive eater, 41, will make his comeback to the Coney Island, New York contest this yr, after beforehand being banned as a consequence of an endorsement cope with a plant-based product.
As Chestnut gears as much as face the world’s best eaters on July 4, he has lifted the lid on his pre-game technique. He identified that an important think about preparation is to “keep calm” the night time earlier than the Scorching Canine Consuming Contest.
“I normally watch some outdated practices, nearly form of simulated contests simply swallowing air, undergo the motions,” he stated. “Normally I’m in mattress earlier than 9 p.m., get up about 5 a.m. and begin doing stretches and yoga and burping workout routines to get my abdomen free and stretched after sleeping.”
He continuously drinks “aloe vera juice” to maintain his throat lubricated too, however tries to keep away from strong meals as a lot as doable within the hours earlier than bell time.
“The day earlier than I normally should eat a scorching canine on the weigh-in,” he stated. “Earlier than that, I normally have some eggs for breakfast. Perhaps a little bit little bit of protein, like protein shake that day. I am going in actually, actually empty the day of the competition.”
Joey Chestnut in July 2019. Kena Betancur/Getty Pictures
Numerous followers most likely surprise what the remainder of the day is like for Chestnut after he shoves as many scorching canines into his mouth as doable for the competition. For starters, Chestnut undoubtedly skips dinner that night time.
“Normally I’m in mattress,” he admitted. “Generally I’m going for a stroll if I stand up from sleeping. If I can, perhaps some yogurt, perhaps a little bit salad. I don’t actually have a lot till the subsequent day. Even when I’m not hungry, I’m attempting to eat salad, simply attempting to maintain issues shifting.”
Earlier this month, Chestnut celebrated his return to the Nathan’s occasion by insisting that it “means the world to me” to compete for the model as soon as once more.
“It’s a cherished custom, a celebration of American tradition, and an enormous a part of my life,” he wrote by way of Instagram on June 17. “Whereas I’ve and proceed to accomplice with a wide range of corporations, together with some within the plant-based house, these relationships had been by no means a battle with my love for warm canines. To be clear: Nathan’s is the one scorching canine firm I’ve ever labored with.”
He went on, “I respect that there have been variations in interpretation, however I’m grateful we’ve been capable of finding widespread floor. I’m excited to be again on the Coney Island stage, doing what I stay to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with scorching canines in my fingers! Keep hungry!”
The 2025 Nathan’s Scorching Canine Consuming Contest airs Friday, July 4, on ESPN.