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News

Dorian Yates Details 7,000-Calorie Offseason Diet Used During Bodybuilding Prime

Greg Patutoby Greg Patuto Published on Feb 13, 2026

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Dorian Yates packed in as much as possible each day to help build muscle.

Bodybuilding legend Dorian Yates put together a career that has him as one of the greatest competitors of all-time. The 6x Olympia champion used a combination of a strict diet plan and intense training methods to build a winning physique. During a recent interview, Yates shared how he packed upwards of 7,000 calories into his daily meal plan during the offseason.

[RELATED: Dorian Yates Shares How To Change Your Body By Going To Muscular Failure]

Many old-school bodybuilders, including Jay Cutler, have shared opinions on how they used to eat during their primes. While it has been described as extremely difficult, it was the best way to grow.

“At his heaviest, he was eating around 6,500-7,000 calories each day. It’s a lot of food but it was what he needed to build this machine.”

From 1992-1997, Yates did not lose a competition and racked up six-consecutive Olympia titles. Following his final victory on the biggest stage, Yates retired from bodybuilding after suffering different injuries. In retirement, Yates has maintained a shredded physique while sharing his wisdom in the gym.

Yates has also created a successful social media platform, where he continues to share different tips to weightlifters today. While keeping himself in great shape, Yates also discusses how to grow different body parts in and out of the gym.

Full Name: Dorian Yates (Bodybuilder)
WeightHeightDate Of Birth
240-290 lbs5’10”4/19/1962
DivisionEraNationality
Bodybuilder1980, 1990British

Dorian Yates Offseason Meal Plan

Dorian Yates ab exercises

Pre-Workout

Dorian Yates would immediately begin his day with a huge meal and get a protein shake in before hitting the gym. 

“200 grams of oats, 12 egg whites, four egg yolks, two bananas, breakfast. A couple hours later, I’d have a protein shake then about an hour, hour and a half after that, I’m in the gym training.”

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Post-Workout

After a long workout in the gym, Yates would have another protein shake mixed with amino acids and creatine. Then once he got home, it was time for another meal.

“I would drive home, and at home I would have chicken or turkey breast normally. Rice, vegetables, sleep, get up, another protein shake, some rice. Maybe three hours later, have some beef, sweet potato, veggie.”

The meals did not shrink as the day went on. Yates then shared that he would have another 12 egg whites, yolks, and oatmeal right before going to sleep.

Dorian Yates Training Journal E-Book

Dorian Yates changed bodybuilding forever. A six time Mr. Olympia champion, Dorian ushered in a new era of bodybuilding physiques by showcasing a then unprecedented amount of mass that was previously seen as impossible. He also introduced the world to his Blood And Guts training style, a legendary video training showcase of his hardcore workouts.

Dorian Yates kept rigorous and detailed journals throughout his entire bodybuilding career dating back as early as his first competition. For the first time ever, Dorian’s journals have now been published highlighting select passages between 1985-1990. Containing over 100 pages, this ebook collects the actual writings of Dorian Yates as he trained towards becoming a Mr. Olympia champion and legend

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Greg Patuto

About Greg Patuto

Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.

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