Bodybuilder James Hollingshead is dieting down to bring an all-time best look to the 2025 Arnold Classic. On February 18, 2025, he walked fans through his full day of eating just 10 days before hitting the stage.
Hollingshead has been steadily improving under the IFBB Pro League banner for years. His muscle density, proportions, and massive chest have helped him stand out in the incredibly deep Men’s Open division. In 2024, he secured fifth place at the Arnold Classic Ohio and UK events. He hopes to build upon those performances in under two weeks.
Bodybuilder James Hollingshead Outlines Diet Ahead of Competing at 2025 Arnold Classic
In a recent YouTube video, Hollingshead detailed his diet just days from the 2025 Arnold Classic.
Meal 1
- 100 grams Oats
- 150 grams Banana
- 60 grams Whey Isolate
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Digestive Enzymes
He kicked things off with oats and protein powder. He explained why it’s important for bodybuilders to take in adequate salt throughout the day.
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“Let’s get this down,” says Hollingshead. “Don’t be afraid to salt your meals. What you want to do, let’s say you don’t salt your meals currently but you’re a bodybuilder and want to work on it.
Just add a couple of grinds to a meal. Over time you build that three or four grinds and as you see I’ve worked my way up to 8-10 grinds per meal.”
Meal 2
- 400 grams of potato
- 3 haddock fish fillets
- sauerkraut
- salt
- pepper
It’s a rest day for Hollingshead, so he decided to play video games while he ate his second helping of the day.
“This is a rest day, I was obviously playing some games,” he shared. “I use the same fish all the time. Like I said, 240 grams per pack. So 240 plus half of 240 so 120, 360 before cooked weight.”
Meal 3
- 500 ml of egg whites
- 400 grams of potato
- sauerkraut
- salt
- pepper
After a three-hour break from the kitchen, Hollingshead returns for potatoes and egg whites.
“It’s been about three hours since I last ate. Rest day, so I stretch it out a little bit. I’m not quite as hungry as rest days normally just because not doing as much. There’s no training, training makes you hungry.”
Meal 4
- 400 grams potato
- 3 haddock fish fillets
- sauerkraut
- salt
- pepper
- Digestive Enzymes
His fourth meal was a mix of potatoes and fish. He paired it with another digestive enzyme.
“What we will have as well, another digestive enzyme because this is the fourth meal of the day,” he shared. “That is that. We’re going to go upstairs and eat.”
Meal 5
- 2 salmon fillets 240 grams
- 1 pack of cauliflower rice
- Salt
- Pepper
During prep, Hollingshead prefers low-carb options like cauliflower rice.
“Yes, cauliflower rice is what we’re having. That is this meal. A pack of this has four carbohydrates. It’s pretty low in carbs,” he shared. “Easy peasy. One meal to go.”
Meal 6
- 250 grams of yogurt
- 50 grams of whey isolate
- Cinnamon
He finished his full day of eating with yogurt and protein powder mixed in it.
“That’s the last meal. Cinnamon, whey, yogurt.”
Health Supplement Stack
- Omega
- D3 K2
- Curcumin
- Ashwagandha
- Heart
- Lipid
- Nac
- Q10
Hollingshead has been open with fans while away from the stage. He recently discussed his protein intake and his approach to performance-enhancing drugs. He explained that his overall goal with anabolics is to preserve as much muscle tissue as possible while navigating a caloric deficit.
Hollingshead is considered a dark horse by many ahead of the big event. Don’t miss the 2025 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio from February 27 to March 1!
RELATED: James Hollingshead, Iain Valliere, & Seth Feroce Share Top 10 Open Picks for the 2025 Arnold Classic
Watch the full video from the James Hollingshead YouTube channel below:
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