Can you imagine being told to take in 10,000 calories each day? According to Michael Phelps (on an NBC-aired interview), that is the amount of calories he must consume to maintain his weight and maximize his performance. In contrast, a sedentary person of Phelps' stature (6'4" and 195 pounds) needs only 2,179 calories per day (according to our Calorie Needs Calculator).  

What does 10,000 calories in one day even look like? For Phelps, it's reportedly:

Breakfast: 3 fried egg sandwiches with cheese, a 5-egg omlete, a bowl of grits, 3 slices of Fench toast, 3 chocolate chip pancakes, and 2 cups of coffee

Lunch: 1 pound of pasta, 2 large ham and cheese sandwiches, and 1,000 calories worth of energy drinks

Dinner: 1 pound of pasta, 1 large pizza, and 1,000 calories worth of energy drinks

Wow! If you've ever said, "I wish I could eat whatever I want and not gain weight," here's the answer. Every day spend five hours in the pool swimming seven miles in the water! Not realistic? Well, maybe you could try 30 minutes of swimming and burn 250 calories - allowing for a small splurge or mid-day snack.

Believe it or not, though, Phelps and other elite athletes see eating as more of a training regimen than a pleasure. They recognize that food is fuel and that if they don't fuel their bodies with the right mix of nutrients their performance will suffer. What are the key nutrients for athletes to consider? Water (yes, water is one of the six essential nutrients) to prevent dehydration; carbohydrates like bread, fruit, and cereal for lasting energy; protein like lean meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products for muscle recovery and repair; and vitamins and minerals, as found in a variety of healthy, colorful foods.