Eating in a calorie surplus is as crucial as the workout routine when following a bulking program. For many lifters amidst a bulk, consistently eating 3,500 calories or more in a day can be a chore. During the peak of his career, eight-time Mr. Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman was famous for eating 6,000 calories in the bulking phase.
On Oct. 15, 2023, fitness influencer Will Tennyson shared a video on his YouTube channel wherein he tried Coleman’s 6,000-calorie diet that included 600 grams of protein followed by a push-day workout. Tennyson followed Coleman’s exact daily routine in hopes of replicating the results. Check it out below:
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Meal One
“It’s no surprise Ronnie Coleman’s nickname is “The King,” said Tennyson. “He eats the equivalent of a royal feast every day.”
Coleman added cheese seasoning to his egg whites to make them more palatable; Tennyson followed suit before microwaving a bowl of grits blended with two cheese slices. Tennyson opined that Coleman mixing the two dishes was intended to reduce eating time.
Meal Two
- Chicken breast — 20 ounces
- Beans — 1.5 cups
- Brown rice — 1.5 cups
- Cornbread
- Protein — 172 grams
Tennyson exceeded his typical daily protein intake goal during the second meal. Since Tennyson wasn’t used to eating such a substantial meal before training, he was unsure if his digestive system had enough time to process the meal before the high-volume push-day training session.
Meal Three
- Chicken breast — 16 ounces
- Baked potato — One medium
- Protein — 143 grams
You have to wonder what [Coleman’s] methodology was behind all this protein,” said Tennyson. “I feel he knew he didn’t need all of it but still wanted it.”
Meal Four
- Steak
- Chicken breast — 5 ounces
- Baked potato — One medium
- McDonald’s French Fries — Large
- Pink lemonade — One glass
- Protein — 109 grams
Tennyson had two different protein and carb sources in his fourth meal. He opined that Coleman probably had the pink lemonade with this meal to make washing down the meat more convenient.
Meal Five
- Whey Protein Powder — four scoops
- Protein —100 grams
“My stomach is rumbling and making noises that I’ve never heard it make before,” said Tennyson before he downed the protein shake.
Although Tennyson achieved eating 600 grams of protein and 6,000 calories in a day, he admitted that he couldn’t do it consistently for multiple weeks like Coleman. Coleman’s high-calorie diet not only helped him pack on substantial size but also fueled him to lift heavy, making him one of the strongest bodybuilders of all time. Some of Coleman’s most famous lifts include:
- Deadlift — 800 pounds (363 kilograms) × 2 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000)
- Squat — 800 pounds (363 kilograms) × 2 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)
- Bench press — 500 pounds (227 kilograms) × 5 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)
[Related: The Best Foods High in Magnesium for More Energy in the Gym]
Will Tennyson’s Ronnie Coleman-Inspired Push Workout
Here is a summary of Tennyson’s push-day training session:
- Bench Press — 5 x 12
- Incline Bench Press — 3 x 12
- Dumbbell Bench Press —3 x 12
- Lateral Raises — 4 x 12
- EZ-Bar Triceps Extension — 3 x 12
- Seated Dumbbell Triceps Extension — 4 x 12
- Close-Grip Bench Press — 4 x 12
[Related: Try These 6 Unique Bodybuilding Arm Exercises to Spark New Muscle Growth]
More Nutrition Content
- The Best High-Protein Breakfast Ideas for Muscle-Building and Fat Loss
- 8 Vitamins and Nutrients You Need To Take To Stay Fit Over 40
- How To Lose Belly Fat — A Strength Athlete’s Guide
Featured image: @willtenny on Instagram
