Extra-large menu for extra-large Gowda

US-based Indian discus thrower Vikas Gowda is a mountain of a man standing at 6’9” and weighing 110 kgs,his daily energy requirement ranging between 5,000-5,500 calories. The national record holder and bronze medallist at the Diamond League spends on an average six-seven hours a day training,including gym-work,requiring him to consume enough protein and the ‘good-kind’ of carbohydrates.

A good amount of the protein comes from the egg white he has for breakfast. He gulps down the whites of a dozen eggs,supplementing it with about 500 grams of cereal. The cereal is mixed with 2-3 litres of milk. Sausages are also on the breakfast menu and fulfill his protein and fat requirements. Four slices of bread with a generous helping of peanut butter on them and a couple of protein bars are also consumed. During the day he makes sure he drinks up to two litres of protein shake.

Following his morning training,Gowda polishes off a chicken steak. He eats up to 2.5 kgs of chicken a day,most of which is eaten during lunch. Lunch also involves another four slices of bread and a couple of apples. In all,he eats four apples a day. Dinner consists of chicken breast,meat balls and some fruit.

Gowda’s father and long-time coach Shive says that his son’s protein-rich diet is typical of a thrower’s. “His protein intake varies according to his workload over a week. He is very particular about his diet as he knows that without a proper diet all his hard work in training will go waste,” Shive said. Gowda’s favourite dishes include chicken 65 and tandoori chicken. “He loves Indian chicken dishes but he can’t afford to have them during an Olympic year,” Shive adds.