2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) and 2024 Strongest Man on Earth (SMoE) Mitchell Hooper is fueling up for his second title defense at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) on March 1-2 in Columbus, OH. The 2025 edition offers $101,000 to anyone who matches the all-time deadlift world record of 501 kilograms held by Hafthor Björnsson, who will also compete at the 2025 ASC. Hooper believes he can beat the record.
What happens when 2020 Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) Luke Richardson steps into the Canadian wilderness — or at least Hooper’s kitchen? A protein-packed, syrup-drenched feast.
This is 100% legit and realistic of what I would eat in a day.
—Mitchell Hooper
[Related: 2025 Strongman Champions League Iceman Results]
Breakfast for Giants
Hooper’s idea of a proper Canadian welcome? Chugging maple syrup. He introduced Richardson to a breakfast fit for a lumberjack: six blueberry protein pancakes mixed with eggs and milk, a whey isolate protein shake, and more syrup.
Canadian bacon is typically leaner than traditional bacon, offering more protein than fat. “Different than regular bacon, but macros are way better,” Hooper claimed.
Snack #1: Butter Tarts and Ketchup Chips
Since strongman athletes can’t go long without food, they stepped outdoors on a snowy day in shorts and T-shirts to indulge in Canadian sweets: butter tarts (a sweet, gooey pastry) and ketchup-flavored potato chips — extra carbs for their deadlift session.
The tarts are best enjoyed cold, as their filling gets messy otherwise. Richardson compared the tanginess of ketchup chips to the UK’s prawn cocktail crisps.
[Related: Do You Actually Need Carbs Before Training?]
Lunch: “Monster Mash”
Post-workout, Hooper introduced Richardson to the Canadian version of his mentor Stan Efferding’s invention, Monster Mash, a combo of rice, broth, and three types of wild game meat: elk, wild boar, and bison.
They preferred elk, though all three are lean and packed with important nutrients, including heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. “I could eat [elk] all the time; it was nice,” Richardson confessed.
Snack #2: Strongman Poutine
Poutine is considered a Canadian delicacy with a Strongman twist: homemade fries, cheese curds, homemade gravy, and peppered elk.
While poutine wouldn’t be considered “clean bulking” food, it’s high-calorie with balanced macros. The duo shared a 925-calorie bowlful.
Chick-fil-A Dinner & Final Treats
Even the most patriotic Canadian can’t resist Chick-fil-A. “It’s amazing!” Hooper confessed, noting, “It’s not Canadian in any shape, sense, or form.” However, “It’s one of the healthiest takeouts you can get with reasonable choices.”
Hooper orders grilled chicken club sandwiches, fries, nuggets, diet soda, and plenty of the brand’s namesake sauce. Richardson ranked the meal 9 out of 10.
For their final meal, Hooper introduced Richardson to Timbits or donut holes and All-Dressed chips — unique Canadian flavors blending BBQ, salt, vinegar, and ketchup.
Hooper’s Bulking Day Totals — 5,429 Calories
After an eventful day of eating, the total rang up to 5,429 calories, 288 grams of protein, 605 grams of carbs, and 199 grams of fat. His body weight of 325 pounds, two weeks out from the 2025 ASC, which aligns with Hooper’s food requirements to slow bulk.
More Strongman Content
- What Peak Week Looks Like for a World’s Strongest Woman Champion
- Can A.I. Function as a Strength Coach?
- Can an Ultramarathon Swimmer Train Like a Strongman?
Featured image: @mitchellhooper on Instagram
