Joey Chestnut remains hot dog eating champ. Here’s how many calories he consumed during the event.
By Sara Moniuszko
On July 4, 2023, another legendary hot dog eating contest took place on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. The competition was fierce, but Joey Chestnut stood tall once again, defending his title as the hot dog eating champion. Chestnut devoured an impressive 62 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes, solidifying his dominance in the world of competitive eating.
Breaking Records
Joey Chestnut’s feat this year may not have surpassed his own record of 76 hot dogs and buns in 2021, but it is still an astonishing accomplishment. Last year, he consumed a staggering 63 hot dogs and buns, totaling an astounding 18,900 calories. This year, the calorie count slightly decreased to 18,600. To put this in perspective, Chestnut’s calorie intake for the record-setting year of 76 hot dogs and buns would have reached a mind-boggling 22,800 calories!
The Nutritional Breakdown
According to the nutrition facts provided by Nathan’s Famous, the brand responsible for supplying the hot dogs and buns for the contest, one serving of their Original Coney Island natural casing beef frank contains 170 calories. The buns, on the other hand, contribute 130 calories per serving. Based on these figures, Chestnut consumed approximately 10,540 calories from the hot dogs and 8,060 calories from the buns. These numbers alone exceed the recommended daily average for a man of his age and size by nearly six times!
Potential Health Risks
While Joey Chestnut’s accomplishments in competitive eating are undeniably impressive, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential health risks associated with consuming such enormous quantities of food. Chestnut’s total fat and sodium intake from this year’s hot dog feast were a staggering 992 grams and 29,760 milligrams, respectively. Diets high in sodium have been linked to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to serious health issues such as stroke and heart disease.
What does a hot dog eating contest do to your stomach?
Competitive eating is not for the faint-hearted, and the impact on the stomach is a notable concern. Experts explain that the stomachs of competitive eaters have learned to stretch and relax to accommodate large amounts of food. While a normal eater would feel full after consuming around a liter or a liter and a half’s worth of food, competitive eaters have trained their stomachs to expand beyond that. They achieve this by consuming low-calorie foods and liquids such as water, diet soda, watermelon, and cabbage.
It is important to note, however, that the stretching of the stomach does have its limits. Competitive eaters will eventually reach a point where they cannot consume any more food. The side effects of these enormous binges can vary from individual to individual and depend on the type of food consumed. Nausea, painful gas, vomiting, heartburn, and diarrhea are commonly reported side effects. In extreme cases, choking, esophageal inflammation, and even stomach rupture can occur.
Safety Measures in Competitive Eating
Addressing the potential risks, Major League Eating, the governing body of professional eating contests, including Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, assures that strict safety protocols are in place. These protocols include having an emergency medical technician present at all events and ensuring that participants are at least 18 years of age.
The organization emphasizes that speed eating should not be attempted at home, and caution should be exercised when attempting to replicate the feats of competitive eaters. The extreme strain placed on the body during these contests should not be taken lightly.
Editorial and Advice
While the hot dog eating contest held every Fourth of July has become a beloved tradition and a spectacle of extreme eating skills, it is essential to approach it with caution and responsibility. The feats achieved by competitors like Joey Chestnut are incredible, but they come with potential health risks that should not be underestimated.
It is crucial to prioritize our health and well-being and remember that moderation is key. Enjoying food is a pleasure that should be savored, but pushing our bodies to the limit in competitive eating contests is not a sustainable or advisable practice. It is always wise to make informed choices and seek a balanced and nutritious diet that meets our individual needs.
<< photo by Terje Sollie >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
