What We Do
Step 1
Be in good physical and mental shape. It is important to ensure that you're healthy and fit before trying an eating contest. Consult your physician before the contest and get their advice. Make sure that you aren't on medication that shouldn't be taken with food. Check with contest officials that EMTs and an ambulance will be present in the event of choking or allergic reactions, or third-degree burns on the roof of your mouth from searing hot taco beef.
Step 2
Look for eating contests that are close to you. Find out how to apply and what things you need to know to be involved by phoning or calling in person to see the event organizer. Besides the local news, you can look online at the sites of the professional eating bodies, such as Major League Eating and the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters, to see what contests they are running or supporting. As an amateur, things that you might like to look for in the competition include:
- Short length (no more than 7-8 minutes)
- Food that you like eating (there's not much point eating food you detest)
- Picnic-style eating (this means eating without making a mess, at a good pace and not disrespectfully)
- A fun occasion, with people not taking it too seriously but wanting to enjoy it.
Step 3
Practice at home briefly before you enter a contest so that you know how it feels and what to expect when eating the food quickly. Try the same foods that are used in the contest, and importantly, these should be foods that you enjoy eating and are already familiar with. Don't overdo this "practice run"-just treat it as a familiarization exercise. When trialing, it can be helpful to look for ways to make the food go down faster and more easily.