Lunsford’s high-calorie diet eight weeks out from the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
Last updated on August 20th, 2025
2023 Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford fell short at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, running up 2025 champion Samson Dauda. Lunsford rebounded in 2025 by winning the 2025 Arnold Classic and the Pittsburgh Pro, where he edged out Nick Walker in a fiercely contested sudden death.
With eight weeks until the 2025 Olympia, Lunsford shared a glimpse into his high-calorie meal plan.
Derek Lunsford’s Full Day of Eating
Lunsford’s daily meals feature a diverse selection of protein. He limits his red meat intake to once per day to benefit from a wide range of nutrients — bison, salmon, chicken, white fish, and shrimp offer balance and variety.
If you have five different meals daily, it never gets boring.
—Derek Lunsford
Hydration Drink & Supplements
Lunsford prepared his hydration drink using a mix of lemons, water, and Celtic salt, which is not iodized, an essential consideration since iodine supports healthy thyroid function. (1)
For an alternative hydration solution, Lunsford suggested the Jocko Hydrate drink, which contains 300 milligrams of sodium, or the Jocko Hydrate stick packs, offering an even higher sodium content of 500 milligrams. Both provide hydration by replenishing essential electrolytes.
“Potassium chloride and magnesium are super important electrolytes [and] have some extra vitamins and minerals,” Lunsford explained. “Beyond those, this is an ideal hydration drink, especially first thing in the morning or around your workout.”
Lunsford incorporated his hydration drink into various stages of his routine — whether as a pre-workout boost, during his workout, or as a post-workout recovery aid. Research suggests pre-workout supplements can help delay fatigue and enhance overall exercise performance. (2)
Supplement Stack
Below are Lunsford’s go-to supplements year-round to support immune system, heart and joint health, and brain function:
“Make sure you’re functioning optimally inside because if you’re not, it will be hard to have the results that you want on the outside for your physique and the stage,” Lunsford said.
Meal One
- Bison — Seven Ounces
- Rice — 400 Grams
“If I had a favorite meal, it‘s probably this one. I love the bison and rice,” Lunsford stated. Lunsford starts his mornings with a seven ounces of bison and 400 grams of rice.
Lunsford’s coach recommended increasing food intake. Lunsford seldom tracks calories, but diligently measures portions by weight. “I eat this much of this protein and this much of this carb, and then we adjust from there. I don’t even know how many calories I eat,” Lunsford admitted.
Lunsford’s mornings used to feature eggs and chicken, but he found the meal didn’t quite meet his needs. After his 2025 Arnold Classic prep, he switched to bison and beef, which satisfied him more.
Pre-Workout Meal
- Chicken — Seven Ounces
- Rice — 500 Grams
- Pre-Workout
Post-Workout
Meal Two
- Jasmine Rice — 210 Grams
- White Fish or Cod and Shrimp Mix
Derek Lunsford’s Arm Training
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References
- Sorrenti, S., Baldini, E., Pironi, D., Lauro, A., D’Orazi, V., Tartaglia, F., Tripodi, D., Lori, E., Gagliardi, F., Praticò, M., Illuminati, G., D’Andrea, V., Palumbo, P., & Ulisse, S. (2021). Iodine: Its Role in Thyroid Hormone Biosynthesis and Beyond. Nutrients, 13(12), 4469. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124469
- Kaczka, P., Batra, A., Kubicka, K., Maciejczyk, M., Rzeszutko-Bełzowska, A., Pezdan-Śliż, I., Michałowska-Sawczyn, M., Przydział, M., Płonka, A., Cięszczyk, P., Humińska-Lisowska, K., & Zając, T. (2020). Effects of Pre-Workout Multi-Ingredient Supplement on Anaerobic Performance: Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(21), 8262. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218262
Featured image: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram
