Norway’s star footballer Erling Haaland, famous for his agility on the field and his infallible ability to score goals, is in the headlines not only for his game but also for his unique diet. Norway’s star footballer Erling Haaland is known for his goalscoring machine-like ability on the field. According to reports, Holland consumes around 6,000 calories every day. In his diet, he eats cow’s heart, liver, raw milk and large amounts of meat. After this revelation, a debate broke out among fitness lovers whether common people should also follow a diet like Holland’s? Medical experts and doctors have the answer on this. No, do not copy the Dutch plate, rather adopt their food principles.
What is included in Holland’s 6,000 calorie diet?
Holland had revealed his diet in his YouTube video documentary. Spanish media outlet Hola! According to , to meet the physical needs of a professional footballer, he consumes more than 6,000 calories every day.
- Early morning: Holland takes sunlight in the open air first thing in the morning. After this he mixes raw milk and a little maple syrup in coffee and drinks it. He believes that coffee made the right way is a superfood and that raw milk is beneficial for the stomach, bones, muscles and skin.
- Breakfast: For breakfast he eats half-fried eggs with fresh sourdough bread.
- Cow Heart and Liver: Holland gives special preference to cow’s heart and liver in his diet. He believes that these help his body recover faster.
- Meat of grass-fed animals: He buys large quantities of beef (fatty cuts like ribeye, tomahawk and short ribs) from local farms. He cooks it at home on high flame with salt and pepper to form a crispy layer on the outside.
- Cheat Meals and Local Honey: Holland buys honey from local farms. However, when he visits his hometown (Bryan), he sometimes eats Chinese food and also kebab pizza from his favorite takeaway restaurant ‘Yummy Time’.
What did the American health influencer say?
This video of Holland was reviewed by American health influencer Paul Saladino. He praised the traditional food of Holland and called them Vikings.
- Raw milk and honey: Saladino said studies show that consuming raw milk reduces the risk of respiratory infections, asthma, eczema and allergies.
- Eggs and Bread: Eggs are rich in protein and fat-soluble vitamins. At the same time, due to the fermentation process, ‘Savarado Bread’ is easier to digest than other breads.
- Benefits of Animal Fat: Vitamin A, E and K2 are obtained from the meat of animals raised on grass. Consumption of Vitamin K2 in childhood can help in keeping the growth plates of bones open for a longer period, thereby increasing height.
Got inspiration from Ronaldo
Haaland’s father Alf-Inge Haaland told ESPN in 2019 that his son took inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo’s diet. Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra once narrated the story of lunch with Ronaldo, in which Ronaldo ate only fish to keep himself fit even after the age of 30. Inspired by this, Holland hired a personal chef for himself. Seeing Holland’s heavy diet, his former Norway teammate Josh King even called him a bear.
Why shouldn’t common people copy this diet?
Medical experts clearly say that Holland is an elite athlete, who does extreme physical exertion for several hours every day. This diet can be fatal for a common person.
Mathematics of calories and protein
A typical adult needs only 1,800 to 2,400 calories a day, depending on his age and activity. 6,000 calories can be dangerous for a common man. A balanced diet is enough for common people. Eating large amounts of red meat or organ meat does not suit everyone. Doctors do not recommend drinking raw milk in India at all. There is a risk of dangerous bacteria (such as E. coli and Salmonella) in it, which can cause serious infections, especially for children, pregnant women and people with weak immunity.
Holland’s principle that everyone can adopt
According to nutritionists, we should not adopt Holland’s calories but his food philosophy.
- Minimally Processed Food: Eat fresh home-cooked food, over which you have complete control over the ingredients and cooking method. Ultra-processed foods impair gut health, lead to inflammation and chronic diseases.
- Fermented Foods: It increases good bacteria in the intestines and strengthens the digestive system.
- Bone broth not necessary every day: Bone soup is beneficial, but there is no need to drink it daily.
Healthy Indian alternative to Dutch diet
If you want to have a nutrition-rich diet like Holland, then make these local Indian options a part of your plate instead of expensive and foreign foods.
Also read: Make 5 tasty breakfasts with semolina, you will get plenty of nutrition along with taste.
