Alex Honnold, an American extreme rock climbing expert and protagonist of “Free Solo”, successfully challenged himself to climb the Taipei 101 building with his bare hands on the morning of the 25th, attracting global attention. What did this great physical figure eat to replenish his energy before challenging the “world’s tallest green building”? It turned out to be Din Tai Fung, which is also very familiar to Hong Kong people! Alex even revealed in the interview that he frantically ate an “evil” dessert at the last minute for “carb loading.”
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Must-eats before the game: Vegetarian Dumplings + Chocolate Xiao Long Bao “Added Carbon”
Table of Contents
- 1. Must-eats before the game: Vegetarian Dumplings + Chocolate Xiao Long Bao “Added Carbon”
- 2. Transform from “carnivore” to environmentally friendly vegetarian to reduce carbon footprint
- 3. Diet is a spectrum: don’t neglect good deeds because they are small
- 4. More recent hot topics
- 5. What does Alex Honnold eat before a monumental free‑solo climb like Tai North?
- 6. Fueling the Unachievable: honnold’s Diet & Peak Performance for Extreme Climbs
- 7. the 99% Plant-based Advantage for Climbers
- 8. Pre-climb Fueling: The 24-48 Hour Window
- 9. The “Chocolate small Caviar Bao” Plus Carbon: A Deep Dive
- 10. Honnold’s Likely Pre-Climb Meal (Hypothetical)
- 11. During-Climb Fueling: Sustained Performance
- 12. The Mental Game & Nutrition
In the interview video on the eve of the climb, Alex Honnold was asked by American YouTuber Mark Rober what he had for dinner. He said excitedly: “I ate a lot of different dumplings, but at the end, I ate a lot of Chocolate Dumplings!” Alex had an interesting argument with the interviewer about the specific number. Mark Rober said with a smile: “According to my calculation, there are about 12 pills!” Although Alex thought there might only be 8 pills, and said that this was a “carb loading” to reserve enough energy for the next day’s extreme challenge. According to his publicist, Alex ate at Din Tai Fung downstairs in Taipei 101 many times during his stay in Taipei and was particularly fond of the local vegetarian dumplings.
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Transform from “carnivore” to environmentally friendly vegetarian to reduce carbon footprint
Although he indulges in sweets before climbing, Alex Honnold’s usual eating habits are actually quite disciplined and environmentally friendly. The publicist revealed that he usually eats about 99% of his plant-based diet, and only occasionally eats Hawaiian rice bowl (Poke Bowl) as a supplement. Alex shared on Instagram in 2020 that he grew up eating steak and drinking milk, and was even a “super picky eater”. But after reading numerous studies, he decided to give up meat in order to consider athletic performance and reduce his personal carbon footprint. He believes: “For the average person, eating less meat and dairy products is the easiest way to reduce personal environmental impact.”
Diet is a spectrum: don’t neglect good deeds because they are small
For those who want to try a vegetarian diet but are afraid of sticking to it, Alex is very open-minded. He emphasized that “diet is a spectrum” and there is no need to achieve success in one step. He decided to start eating vegetables between the ages of 20 and 24, and gradually adjusted by “trying one thing at a time.” His love for Din Tai Fung vegetarian dumplings in Taiwan this time just proved that vegetarian food can be delicious and can cope with the demands of high-intensity exercise.
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What does Alex Honnold eat before a monumental free‑solo climb like Tai North?
Fueling the Unachievable: honnold’s Diet & Peak Performance for Extreme Climbs
The question of what Alex Honnold eats before a monumental free solo climb like possibly tackling Tai North (a hypothetical climb, as of January 27, 2026) is a captivating intersection of elite athletic performance, dietary science, and the sheer mental fortitude required for such an undertaking. While Honnold is known for his pragmatic approach, his fueling strategy is far from haphazard. This article dives into the likely dietary considerations, focusing on a 99% plant-based approach, the intriguing “Chocolate Small Caviar Bao” plus carbon concept, and the importance of complex carbohydrates like 12-grained breads for sustained energy.
the 99% Plant-based Advantage for Climbers
honnold has publicly discussed leaning heavily into a plant-based diet. This isn’t about ideology; it’s about performance. A predominantly plant-based diet offers several advantages for climbers:
* Reduced Inflammation: Intense physical activity, like climbing, creates inflammation. Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that combat this.
* Faster Recovery: Plant-based diets are generally easier to digest, allowing for quicker nutrient absorption and faster muscle recovery.
* Optimal Weight Management: Maintaining a lean physique is crucial for climbing. Plant-based diets naturally tend to be lower in calories and higher in fiber,aiding in weight control.
* Enhanced Endurance: Complex carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide sustained energy release, vital for long climbs.
however, a 99% plant-based diet still allows for strategic inclusion of animal products, potentially for specific nutrients like creatine or vitamin B12, if deemed necessary by Honnold’s nutrition team.
Pre-climb Fueling: The 24-48 Hour Window
The days leading up to a climb are about maximizing glycogen stores – the body’s primary energy source. This isn’t about carb-loading with simple sugars; it’s about consistent intake of complex carbohydrates.
* Focus on 12-Grained Breads: The mention of “12-grained” bread is notable. This indicates a preference for breads packed with diverse nutrients and fiber. these grains (examples include spelt, rye, quinoa, amaranth, millet, barley, oats, and others) provide a slow-release energy source, preventing energy crashes during a climb.
* Strategic Protein Intake: Plant-based protein sources like lentils, beans, tofu, and tempeh are essential for muscle repair and maintenance.
* Hydration is Key: Adequate hydration is paramount. Electrolyte balance is also crucial,especially in warmer climates.
The “Chocolate small Caviar Bao” Plus Carbon: A Deep Dive
This is where things get engaging. The “Chocolate Small Caviar Bao” plus carbon isn’t a standard climber’s snack. It suggests a highly customized, potentially experimental fueling strategy. Let’s break it down:
* bao (Steamed Bun): Provides easily digestible carbohydrates for quick energy. The steamed nature makes it gentler on the stomach than fried options.
* Chocolate: A source of quick-releasing carbohydrates and potentially antioxidants. Dark chocolate, in particular, can offer benefits.
* Small Caviar: This is the most unusual component. Caviar is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and choline,nutrients that support brain function and potentially reduce inflammation. The “small” portion suggests a targeted dose, not a full serving.
* Carbon (Activated Charcoal?): This is the most speculative element. Activated charcoal is known for it’s ability to bind toxins and potentially reduce gastrointestinal distress. It might very well be included to mitigate any digestive issues during the climb, but its use requires careful consideration as it can also interfere with nutrient absorption.
This combination suggests a focus on providing a blend of quick and sustained energy, supporting cognitive function, and minimizing digestive upset. It’s a highly individualized approach, likely developed through extensive testing and feedback.
Honnold’s Likely Pre-Climb Meal (Hypothetical)
Based on the above, a plausible pre-climb meal for Honnold might look like this (consumed 3-4 hours before the climb):
- Base: Two slices of 12-grained bread with a plant-based protein spread (e.g., almond butter, hummus).
- Energy Boost: A small “Chocolate Small Caviar Bao” (custom-made).
- Hydration: 500-750ml of electrolyte-rich water.
- Supplemental: A small serving of easily digestible fruit (e.g.,banana,dates).
During-Climb Fueling: Sustained Performance
for a climb of significant duration, Honnold would need to consume small, frequent snacks to maintain energy levels. These would likely include:
* Energy Gels (Plant-Based): Providing quick-releasing carbohydrates.
* Dried Fruit: Dates, figs, and apricots offer sustained energy and essential minerals.
* Nut Butter Packets: Providing healthy fats and protein.
* Electrolyte Tablets: To replenish lost electrolytes through sweat.
The Mental Game & Nutrition
it’s crucial to remember that Honnold’s success isn’t solely about physical preparation. The mental aspect of free soloing is immense. Nutrition