Strongman vs YouTuber Challenge: Eddie Hall and Will Tennyson Swap Carnivore Diets and Training Routines
Strongman Eddie Hall recently welcomed popular Canadian fitness YouTuber Will Tennyson to experience a day in his life, combining unique dietary choices with intense training activities. The visit began with a carnivore diet breakfast at Eddie's home, featuring wild salmon and a protein shake with fiber supplements to help counter the diet's low fiber content. This meal, though surprisingly low in calories for Will, highlighted the significant dietary differences between the two fitness personalities.
The day continued with an unexpected adventure as Will had the opportunity to drive a 20-ton tank before transitioning to a kickboxing session at Eddie's gym. Despite Will's lack of kickboxing experience, Eddie patiently demonstrated proper techniques for blocking, punching, and executing leg kicks. This training session revealed the surprising power behind kicks compared to punches, providing Will with a new perspective on combat sports.
Key Takeaways
The carnivore diet breakfast revealed significant differences in eating habits between the two fitness enthusiasts.
Will experienced driving a heavy military tank, which proved surprisingly fast and maneuverable.
The kickboxing session introduced Will to proper fighting techniques and the unexpected power of kicks.
Guest Arrival
The day started with a special visitor coming to experience a unique training session and dietary approach. The host prepared to take his guest through various activities including workouts, a specialized diet, and even some combat sports training. Before diving into the intense activities planned for the day, they began with a nutritious breakfast at the host's residence.
Will Tennyson Visits from Abroad
Will Tennyson, a popular YouTube content creator, traveled from Canada for this special training experience. The day began with a protein-rich breakfast featuring wild salmon, which Will noted was significantly different in quality compared to supermarket varieties. While the host typically consumed this as part of his carnivore diet, Will admitted he usually preferred his salmon with bagels and cream cheese.
During breakfast, they discussed the challenges of adapting to the carnivore diet. Will mentioned experiencing digestive issues during his first two weeks on the regimen, spending considerable time in the bathroom. To help with digestion, they prepared a protein shake with whey protein (21g per scoop) and a fiber supplement to compensate for the diet's lack of fiber.
After breakfast, the pair took an unexpected detour before their training session. They operated a 20-ton tank, with Will taking the turret position while learning about the vehicle's unique driving mechanics. The host explained that tanks don't drive like cars but rather skid and require wetting the ground to help the heavy vehicle move more smoothly on hard surfaces. Will expressed surprise at the tank's impressive speed.
Following the tank experience, they headed to the gym for kickboxing training. Will admitted he had never kickboxed before, making it an entirely new experience. The host, who typically trains in fighting techniques for an hour every morning, taught Will various defensive techniques including:
Proper blocking positions for leg kicks
Body blocking methods
How to position the knee when receiving leg kicks
Despite being a novice, Will showed enthusiasm and followed instructions well as they practiced various striking and blocking techniques in this introduction to combat sports.
Having Breakfast Together
I visited Will Tennyson, a Canadian YouTuber, and hosted him for breakfast at my home. Before our planned workouts and boxing session, we shared a meal following my carnivore diet approach, which was quite different from Will's usual breakfast routine.
Eating Patterns
Will typically avoids raw fish unless it involves tequila, preferring his smoked salmon with bagels and cream cheese. My breakfast consisted of high-quality wild salmon, which tastes noticeably different from supermarket varieties. Will's normal morning meal includes avocado toast with eggs and Greek yogurt, while I sometimes alternate between salmon and large portions of Greek yogurt.
The salmon portion appeared small to Will, but contained significant protein. Each pack had approximately:
110 calories per pack
23g of protein
Wild-caught (superior quality)
Carnivore Diet Experience
Transitioning to the carnivore diet caused digestive challenges initially. The first week and a half required frequent bathroom visits, though these issues eventually subsided. To address the lack of fiber in the carnivore approach, I supplement with fiber additives.
For Will, the meal seemed surprisingly small compared to his usual breakfast that would include sourdough bread and more carbohydrates. The carnivore diet eliminates these carb sources entirely, focusing on animal products instead.
We finished breakfast with a protein-rich "milkshake" containing:
One scoop of whey protein (21g protein)
Fiber supplement (to counteract the diet's lack of fiber)
Only 1 calorie per milliliter
Will found the shake delicious, comparing it to melted ice cream, though he mentioned being somewhat lactose intolerant.
Nutritional Breakdown
The breakfast's calorie content created some confusion between us. Initially, I claimed there were 500 calories per pack, but we later clarified that each half-pack contained 233 calories, with about 55 calories per 100 grams.
The complete breakfast included:
Food Item Calories Protein Salmon (2 packs) 300 46g Protein shake ~120 21g Total ~420 67g
This protein-dense, low-carbohydrate breakfast aligns with the carnivore diet principles while being significantly lower in volume than Will's typical morning meal. Will struggled to finish the salmon, finding the portion more filling than it appeared.
Lifestyle Comparisons
Daily Breakfast Choices
The dietary habits between individuals show interesting variations in morning nutrition approaches. Will typically enjoys a breakfast consisting of salmon, cheese, and sourdough bread, creating a balance of protein and carbohydrates. When following a carnivore diet, he modifies this by removing the bread component and increasing protein intake.
His companion's breakfast routine alternates between several options. Some mornings feature avocado toast topped with eggs, while other days include Greek yogurt or wild salmon. The quality of salmon is particularly emphasized, with wild-caught varieties being noticeably different from supermarket options.
Protein supplementation also plays a role in their nutritional strategies. A whey-based shake containing approximately 21g of protein serves as a complement to solid food. This shake, described as tasting similar to melted ice cream, helps meet daily protein requirements while providing enjoyable flavor.
Legal Issues with International Travel
Travel between certain countries can occasionally lead to unexpected legal complications. One individual experienced significant legal troubles while visiting Nova Scotia. The incident occurred during a gym visit with a group of strongman competitors including Brian, Robert, and others.
What began as a humorous prank involving inappropriate exposure during a leg press exercise quickly escalated into a serious legal matter. An onlooking woman reported the behavior to authorities, resulting in police involvement.
The consequences were substantial. Upon leaving Canada, the individual learned that Canadian authorities had issued an arrest warrant for indecent exposure. This offense apparently carries severe penalties in Canada, with potential imprisonment of two years minimum according to the individual's understanding. This legal situation has effectively prevented return visits to the country, creating a permanent travel restriction.
The incident serves as a reminder that behaviors considered humorous in certain contexts may have serious legal ramifications when crossing cultural and jurisdictional boundaries.
Preparing a Protein Shake
The protein shake preparation process is a crucial part of the dietary regimen, especially when following specialized nutrition plans like the carnivore diet. The shake serves as a supplement to provide additional nutrients that might be lacking in the primary food intake.
Ingredients and Nutritional Components
The protein shake contains several key ingredients carefully selected for their nutritional benefits:
1 scoop of whey protein (21g of protein)
Psyllium husk fiber supplement
Liquid base (likely water or milk)
This shake offers multiple benefits beyond just protein supplementation. The whey provides essential amino acids for muscle recovery, while the psyllium husk addresses a critical need when following restrictive diets. The fiber supplement helps combat digestive issues that commonly occur with high-protein, low-fiber eating plans like the carnivore diet.
Nutritional Significance:
Helps maintain adequate protein intake
Provides necessary fiber missing from animal-based diets
Contains minimal calories while maximizing nutritional benefit
Consumer Reaction Assessment
The shake's flavor profile received an enthusiastic response, with tasters comparing it favorably to "melted ice cream." This positive taste experience came as a welcome surprise, as protein supplements often have reputation for less-than-appealing flavors.
However, there were some concerns about potential digestive consequences, particularly for individuals with lactose sensitivity. The consumer noted:
"I think I'm a bit lactose intolerant," but quickly added, "I think it's worth it."
The rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor profile made the shake an enjoyable experience despite these concerns. It effectively balanced nutritional requirements with palatability, which is often challenging with protein supplements.
The shake appears to be a practical solution for maintaining protein intake while addressing the fiber deficiency common in specialized diets.
Pre-Workout Discussion
The day began with a nutritious breakfast before heading to the gym. A strongman athlete hosted a visiting YouTuber from Canada for a morning meal, workout session, and some friendly competition. Both individuals shared their dietary habits and prepared for the physical activities ahead.
Calorie Content Confusion
A humorous misunderstanding occurred during breakfast when discussing the salmon's nutritional value. The host served high-quality wild salmon, which contained approximately 110 calories per pack with 23g of protein. When consuming multiple packs, the visitor incorrectly read the nutritional information, mistaking kilojoules for calories. He thought each half-pack contained 233 calories, causing momentary panic about the amount of food being consumed. The host quickly corrected him, pointing out it was actually 55 calories per pack.
The breakfast also included a protein shake described as tasting "like melted ice cream," which contained:
1 scoop of whey protein (21g protein)
A fiber supplement to counteract the low fiber content of the carnivore diet
This dietary approach represented a significant change from the visitor's typical breakfast, which would normally include:
Salmon
Cheese
Sourdough bread
Eggs
The host mentioned that supplementing fiber helped alleviate digestive issues commonly experienced during the first weeks of a carnivore diet.
Training Activities Overview
Tank Operation Briefing
Participants received an informative introduction to tank operation principles before their practical experience. The instructor explained that tanks, weighing approximately 20 tons, operate differently from conventional vehicles. Unlike cars, tanks maneuver through controlled skidding rather than direct steering. To execute a right turn, operators must engage the right brake, causing the tank to pivot in place.
The briefing highlighted an important maintenance technique: wetting the driving surface before operation. This practice creates lubrication that allows the heavy vehicle to slide more easily, preventing damage to tarmac, brick, and other surfaces. As the instructor noted, "You have to drive it more delicately than you would a car."
During the practical demonstration, participants were surprised by the tank's unexpected speed capabilities. The control system features just one pedal for acceleration, creating a unique driving experience. After completing their turns at the controls, participants expressed amazement at the vehicle's performance.
Combat Training Session
The training regimen included an introduction to kickboxing fundamentals for participants with no prior experience. Training began with proper headgear fitting and basic defensive techniques, including how to block leg kicks by turning the palm downward and positioning correctly.
Participants learned that kicks deliver significantly more force than punches, with the instructor emphasizing: "When you see MMA fighters get knocked out from kicks, they are so much harder than fists until you've experienced one."
The session covered essential defensive moves including:
Body blocks using hands to protect the ribs
Leg kick defense by turning the knee toward the incoming kick
Proper stance and weight distribution when receiving strikes
More advanced techniques demonstrated included head kicks and stamping motions against opponents' knees. The instructor provided continuous feedback during practice, encouraging participants to relax while maintaining proper form.
Training Session
In this intermediate fitness segment, participants engage in a specialized workout routine that combines nutrition and physical training. The session involves dietary adjustments followed by combat sport practice, offering a comprehensive approach to fitness development.
Basic Combat Techniques
The training begins with fundamental striking techniques. Participants learn proper stance with hands positioned for effective defense and offense. The instructor demonstrates how to turn palms downward when blocking and emphasizes the importance of keeping guards up. Basic punching techniques focus on generating power through proper body mechanics rather than just arm strength. Participants practice these movements slowly at first, gradually building speed as they develop muscle memory and coordination.
Defensive Maneuvers
Learning to protect oneself forms the core of this segment. Participants practice blocking leg kicks by using their hands to deflect incoming strikes. The instructor demonstrates body blocks, teaching how to shield the ribs from attacks. For defending against leg kicks, the technique involves turning the knee toward the incoming kick to minimize impact—a method that can actually cause more discomfort to the attacker than the defender. The session progresses to practicing head movement and evasion techniques. Participants learn to relax their upper body while maintaining proper form, creating a foundation for more advanced defensive strategies.
