Man Mimics Tiger Shark Diet By Eating 41,000 Calories In Two Days, Gains 21 Pounds In a Day

Swimming 500 kilometers non-stop for 56 hours, running a thousand miles barefoot with a 50kg backpack, and completing an Olympic Distance Triathlon while carrying a tree might sound like the feats of a superhuman. To be fair, Ross Edgley certainly embraces the extreme.

Ross Edgley is known for pushing boundaries. For example, he once swam over 62 miles across the Caribbean Sea without dragging a tree for good measure.

His latest venture, “Shark vs. Ross Edgley,” further tests his limits as he faces off against some of the ocean’s most formidable predators, including the great white shark, mako shark, and hammerhead shark. At 38, Edgley stated that out of his various challenges, mimicking a tiger shark’s eating habits was one he felt he could genuinely compete in.

Tiger sharks, known for their immense appetite, travel thousands of miles while hunting or migrating and can eat everything from whale carcasses to tires. To simulate this, Edgley undertook a medically supervised challenge to see how much weight a human could lose and gain in 48 hours.

He began by spending about 18 hours in a heat chamber, cycling and running to shed as much weight as possible. Following this intense period of starvation, he began the ‘re-feeding’ phase, consuming a wide range of foods.

Among his accomplishments, Edgley was particularly proud of consuming seven liters of custard, which he described as his proudest achievement. Despite his efforts, the experience revealed that after all the deprivation, the anticipated desire for a substantial meal didn’t quite match the reality.

This is Edgley after his drastic weight loss.

I was like ‘no, no, hydrate.’ We did electrolytes and a Hulk smoothie as well, which was just a green smoothie – just to replenish the body.

Then things got downright ridiculous when his mom made him two huge slabs of cheesecake to go along with all that custard.

His shark diet also featured four packs of Haribo candy, a pizza, fish and fries, a burger and fries, two whole cinnamon loaves, two full English breakfasts, four tubs of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and four chocolate bars.

In total, he managed to consume an astounding 41,103 calories and put on a staggering 22 pounds within a day.

Edgley after consuming over 40,000 calories.

Even though it might sound like an epic feat, the outcome was still pretty harsh. To gauge how much a tiger shark could eat, the athlete's team crafted a gigantic, jelly-like "lollipop" for the shark to munch on.

By examining its size, they estimated that if it were a chunk of whale blubber, the shark could have consumed a staggering 20,000 calories in a single bite.

Nutritional Insights

Dr. Michael Greger, a well-known nutritionist, emphasizes the importance of balanced diets over extreme dietary challenges. He cautions that consuming such high calorie counts can have significant health implications, including metabolic stress and potential long-term weight gain.

Dr. Greger advocates for a plant-based diet rich in whole foods, which promotes not only physical health but also mental well-being. He notes that while extreme diets can be intriguing, they often lack sustainability and nutritional balance.

For those looking to enhance their diet, he recommends focusing on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as foundational elements.

Extreme challenges like Ross Edgley's latest venture can inspire many, but they often overlook the mental and emotional aspects of such pursuits. Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a happiness researcher, explains that undertaking significant challenges without proper mental preparation can lead to burnout or disillusionment.

She suggests setting realistic goals and incorporating regular intervals of rest and reflection to maintain motivation and mental health. Balancing ambitious pursuits with self-care is essential for sustainable success.

Creating a support system, perhaps through engaging with a community or a mentor, can also provide the necessary encouragement along the way.

Edgley felt quite proud of consuming 40,000 calories in a day, only to learn that a tiger shark could eat half that amount in a single bite. Regardless, taking in that many calories in one day is incredibly extreme—and definitely not recommended.

You can catch Ross’s colossal challenge in his docu-series Shark vs. Ross Edgley, which will premiere on Nat Geo WILD.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, while Ross Edgley's extreme challenges captivate and motivate, they serve as a reminder of the importance of balanced approaches to health and wellness. Research by Dr. Daniel Goleman emphasizes that emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in managing stress and achieving personal goals.

By combining physical challenges with emotional awareness and nutritional balance, individuals can cultivate a more holistic approach to their well-being. This balance not only promotes healthier lifestyles but can also lead to greater fulfillment and happiness in all areas of life.