Game of Thrones: 'The Mountain' Diet

As the new season of Game of Thrones rapidly approaches, what’s more, appropriate than a full nutritional plan from one of the most coveted stars in the series?

Fair warning, attempting to re-create the same meal plan per day might be more difficult than you think seeing as the World’s Strongest Man, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, currently takes in about 10,000 calories per day… Let’s take an in-depth look at what this full day of eating consists of:

First Meal of The Day 199.5P/172.6F/148.5C

The first meal of The Mountain’s day begins with an insane; a handful of almonds, (8) whole eggs, 200 grams of oats, a selection of blueberries and strawberries as well as 200 grams of avocado for a healthy fat source. This may not sound like a whole lot, but he’s not done yet...

With a slight break in between, the Game of Thrones star then dives back into eating again with 400 grams of ground beef, 400 grams of sweet potato and a handful of greens leaving us with a staggering amount of 199.5 grams of protein, 172.6 grams of fat and 148.5 grams of Carbohydrates.

The Mountain’s first meal alone is more than what a lot of people take in DAILY with their diet. Now, because of Hafþór’s much hectic schedule and activity per day, it takes a lot of fuel in order to keep him at top-notch world’s strongest man shape so this should come as no surprise.

Mid-Afternoon “Snack” 131.4P/12.6F/85C

Roughly two hours after the first meal, The Mountain begins to go to work on a well-balanced and smaller portioned meal to help keep his energy levels high and to prevent from going catabolic.

This meal consists of what we have seen in the earlier set of foods with 400 grams of ground beef and 400 grams of sweet potatoes as well as a closely measured out cup of fruits and vegetables. Having more meals throughout the day when portioned properly, is much more beneficial for his overall build seeing that not everyone’s metabolism works the same and in order to continuously build strength, the added macronutrients help keep the body maintained until his next meal.

Pre-Training Meal 47P/76.9F/246C

Just before The Mountain begins his Strongman training, he gets his body ready for the grueling workout ahead by a heavy-based carbohydrate meal to help keep his energy levels at the fullest amount. It’s extremely important to get the best carbohydrate sources and healthy fats in order to have the best training days that it takes to become the World’s Strongest Man.

So, what does the G.O.T actor’s pre-workout meal consist of? The Mountain starts off with a low glycemic based carbohydrate source of 150 grams of sweet potatoes, 2 regular sized banana’s, 150 grams of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, frozen berries, a handful of almonds, and a serving of Glutamine to help with muscle recovery and repair.

Now, the pre and post-workout meals are the most important of the day as these are what provide fuel as well as help with muscle growth for post-workout. If you have been following closely so far, The Mountain is already at almost 378 grams of protein consumed and it’s only the afternoon still. *Insert Gasp*

Post Strongman Training Meal 214.5P/66.65F/168C

Immediately after his workout is completed, The Mountain takes down 2 regular sized bananas and 60 grams of whey protein to help assist his body with muscle growth and recovery post-training. Once he returns home, he is right back in the kitchen eating 500 grams of lean ground beef, 500 grams of potatoes and a serving size of greens.

Well-timed and well-proportioned meals like this can become some of the most impactful meals of the day. Eating the same source of food can become tiresome but they are easily switched out and can contain the same macronutrient intake.

For example, lean ground beef can be substituted for ground turkey, ground chicken and even seafood sources such as tilapia which is high in protein and almost completely removed from fat. Carbohydrate sources are also very easy to switch out when dealing with potatoes as you can substitute sweet or regular spuds in whenever you get tired.

Pre-Bed Slow Digesting Meal 258P/128F/141.5C

If you’re familiar with nutritional plans, Casein is high on the list for helping your body stay full of nutrients while you sleep. These specific meals before bedtime are strategically made up of slow-digesting foods and healthy fats. The Mountain also splits these up based on time with roughly 45 minutes in between to help ensure he does not feel overly full. To start, Hafþór has 500 grams of protein-packed salmon and 500 grams of sweet potato before the real fun begins.

Upon completion of this meal, Hafþór takes a small 2-hour break before beginning the next portion of his meal that consists of 50 grams of Whey Protein Caseinate, or the equivalent with whole eggs depending on how he’s feeling. But it doesn’t end there, he then consumes his higher fat-based foods such as; a whole avocado, 30 grams of almonds, 50 grams of peanut butter, and finishing off the night with an additional 50 grams of casein before bed. 

So, you’ve always wanted to know how ‘The Mountain’ got his nickname? Well, I hope this was summarized accordingly because when you want to be the World’s Strongest Man, you also must eat and train like it as well. Posted below is the full table that represents all the Game of Thrones star’s meals throughout the day. If you’re thinking about tackling this diet head-on, you better have a stomach bigger than your eyes because this will not be easy.