"I've seen life," Doug Hepburn would say with a sweep of the hand,
"and nothing gets better than this."
This recent photo of Hepburn taken by Ray Beck is simply quite an impressive display of might and muscular size. Since Doug has cut his weight down to 270, he appears very trim and his huge chest, shoulders and arms are almost unbelievable. This is perhaps the finest photo we have seen of this mighty man. The first and only man to jerk 500 pounds, bench press 560, and press 430. He is having great success now as a wrestler and his opponents say that Doug just grabs them and squeezes them and that's the end.
As I write this second in a series of articles on Doug Hepburn . . .
First:
. . . I have before me a book Doug has just completed called "How to Develop Strength and Bulk" . . .
Here, in three parts:
In this book Hepburn has poured all his important methods of training for, as the title denotes, large muscle size and physical strength. This work is revolutionarily different from any weight training programs or courses I have ever read. I feel fortunate that Doug has given me exclusive authority to borrow from his book for this series.
Hepburn's methods of training can seem haphazard to the casual onlooker, but it is evident upon closer examination that he has studied every phase of living that might influence strength. In this article I will touch on the profound beliefs Doug has on the phase of training called "diet."
The importance of correct eating in the trainee's program can be shown in Hepburn's own words:
"There are three main factors of equal importance that contribute to the weight trainer's realization of maximum muscular bulk and strength. These factors are proper mental attitude, incorporation of the right training course, and consuming of proper foods. Strenuous barbell training without the consumption of the right foods is simply a waste of time. This is one of the most common mistakes made by both the uninitiated and the advanced weight trainer."
With a few differences Doug adheres to the basic well balanced diet given by most health authorities: fresh vegetables and fruits to maintain healthy functioning body parts; meat, eggs and other proteins for muscle repair and building; potatoes, grains (wheat, oats, barley, etc.) and other carbohydrate- and starch-containing foods for energy.
The few differences are: Forced feeding a great percentage of high protein foods and emphasis on liquids.
"Forced feeding" means eating more food than your body can utilize, as insurance that the body gets enough nutrition to replenish used energy and build muscle. This is strictly for people who complain of being unable to gain weight rapidly without concern for where the weight goes. Doug believes that most people who complain about not being able to gain weight are simply not eating enough of what he calls "super foods."
Heading the list of super foods is milk. About milk Doug says:
"There are certain foods which I place above all others in regard to weight gaining. Heading the list of these super foods is milk. Milk is an almost perfect food and contains the vital food elements needed by the body. It can be consumed in large quantities without ill effects as it is easily digested and assimilated. Milk can be used as a medium to blend in other foods such as eggs, protein powder, powdered malt, powdered milk, etc. I consumed on an average three quarts of milk every day. I would advise the trainee to drink more milk if possible and to obtain a food blender to facilitate mixing milk with other foods."
"Flavorful mixed drinks for Dad!
Meals in minutes for Mom!
Dance sounds for dogs!"
Doug is always ready to adopt any worthwhile product, equipment or methods that are conducive in the building of muscle size and power. So, it is understandable that high protein powder is second on his list of super foods. Doug supplements his three meals a day with drinks mixed in a food blender (or mixer) with high protein powder and milk being the main ingredients. I have seen Doug mix these two ingredients with eggs, honey and malt to make a very palatable "health shake."
Although Doug says that lean meats, cheese, eggs, etc., are nature's natural proteins and are the "muscle builders," he is not a big meat eater. And as he says, "I am aware that meat is a rather expensive commodity and that most persons cannot afford to dine on T-bone steaks. Fortunately, meat is not the only source of protein. I was never a big meat eater and to this day consume only normal portions of meat at a meal. However, as I mentioned previously, I did drink large quantities of milk and thought nothing of having six or eight eggs at a meal. These foods contain a liberal amount of muscle building protein and are far more economical to buy." From this we can see that eggs are another of his super foods.
Juices help Doug to balance his diet, and on this matter, he says, "The reader should not overlook the benefits derived from the drinking of fruit and vegetable juices. These foods can be consumed in large quantities and are easily digested and assimilated. I have found that fruit and vegetable juices are a pleasing change from milk, as I discovered too much of any one food can result in loss of appetite.
Coupled with the fruit juices is, of course, the addition of fruits and vegetables. Too little of these commodities are included in the diet. Salads and properly cooked vegetables and fruits are just as important as meat and the dairy products in regard to a balanced diet, as they eliminate sickness due to poor nutrition and digestive disturbances.
Finally, here are a few random observations:
Doug will eat almost anything if it's good for him. He rarely, if ever, partakes of candy, soft drinks or white flour products. Before the British Empire Games, Hepburn took large doses of vitamin and mineral pills.
At first glance, you would think Doug was fat. This appearance is deceiving, however, because on closer examination the only place Doug could be fat is around the waist. His chest, arms, legs and back are solid muscle. I, personally think his 300 pounds is well distributed and that he is more symmetrical than most men. And he can move surprisingly fast for a big man is proven in his last twelve pro wrestling matches, all under seven minutes each.
I hope you have garnered a few useful facts about Doug Hepburn's eating habits from this article. Next article in this series: "How Hepburn Trains for Lifting Contests."
Enjoy Your Lifting!
Here's a swell fella I'd love to have a cold one with . . .
March, 2025. 122 pages.