BEIJING Olympics sensation Michael Phelps’s diet secret is simple: He eats 12,000 calories a day. "Eat, sleep and swim. That's all I can do…get some calories into my system and try to recover the best I can,” said the 23-year-old American swimmer in an interview with US television station NBC, as reported by New York Post.

This should hardly be a surprise. As far back as 2005, in an interview with IGN Sports, he already boasted about “cramming in as many calories…as I possibly can.” What a lucky guy. Here’s the rest of the interview:

IGN Sports: You're 6' 4", about 200 pounds. Is your physique all from swimming, or do you hit the weights?

Michael Phelps: I've never lifted a single weight in my life. It's all from training in the water, period. That's not to say I wouldn't lift in the future, but now, no.

IGN Sports: What about your diet? Are you always eating super healthy?

Michael Phelps: I eat pretty much whatever I want. I don't have a strict diet. It's all about cramming in as many calories into my system as I possibly can. To be honest with you, I have a tough time keeping weight on.

IGN Sports: What about fast food?

Michael Phelps: Bring it on!

IGN Sports: Do you take a multi vitamin?

Michael Phelps: I do.

IGN Sports: Gotta take the multi.

Michael Phelps: You must.

IGN Sports: Even if you're not an Olympic caliber athlete, the multi does you right.

Michael Phelps: It helps.

Unfortunately, not all of us can eat as much without suffering the consequences. So for those who’d actually prefer to go on a weight loss program, click here.