Epic Revealed: The Mind-Blowing and Merciless Diet that Left Sylvester Stallone Speechless in Rocky 3

Sylvester Stallone, the star of Rocky 3, reveals the extreme diet he followed to prepare for the 1982 film. The diet was so restrictive that Stallone began to suffer from memory problems. Following the success of the first Rocky movie in 1976, Stallone's iconic boxer character returned for several sequels. In Rocky 3, which Stallone directed himself, Rocky Balboa, the reigning champion, finds himself facing off against a determined young challenger, James "Clubber" Lang, played by Mr. T. During a recent interview with WSJ, Stallone discusses the intense diet he underwent to get into shape for the film. The diet was so demanding that the actor experienced significant memory loss and even struggled to recall his own phone number. Read Stallone's complete statement below.

I used to consume a significant amount of coffee on a daily basis, but due to experiencing reflux, I had to reduce my intake. In the past, I would consume approximately 10 cups of coffee each day. However, during the filming of 'Rocky 3', I consumed as much as 25 cups daily. To maintain a body fat percentage of 2.8%, my breakfast consisted of two small oatmeal cookies made with brown rice and accompanied by 10 cups of coffee.

During this time, I faced various challenges such as forgetting my own phone number and exclusively consuming tuna fish. My memory was severely affected, and I experienced numerous detrimental physical effects. Nevertheless, I endured these difficulties for the sake of my goal.

Why Stallone's Physique Was So Important In The 1980s

Stallone and Schwarzenegger played significant roles in shaping a new era for a specific type of action movie star, with Schwarzenegger gaining fame in Hollywood after his remarkable portrayal in Conan The Barbarian in 1982. Known for his extraordinary physique, Schwarzenegger continued to showcase his muscularity in subsequent films such as The Terminator, Commando, and Predator. Meanwhile, Stallone openly acknowledged the rivalry that emerged between him and Schwarzenegger during the early '80s, with factors like muscles, movie killcounts, gun size, box office success, and physical appearance being key points of comparison.

Stallone's comment about his Rocky 3 diet does not explicitly mention this competition, but it coincided with a shift in the perception of the ideal action movie star's appearance. Throughout the subsequent Rocky movies, Stallone mostly maintained his muscular physique, but it remains uncertain whether he adopted healthier methods to achieve it. While Rocky 3 may not be the franchise's finest film, Stallone's dedication to portraying his character as a reigning Heavyweight Champion is undeniable.