Ever looked at a plate piled high with food and thought, “I could totally handle that”? Well, these eating challenges are here to see just how much you can handle—and they’re not for the faint of heart (or stomach). We’re talking about everything from massive burgers to blisteringly spicy pizzas that make you sign a waiver. Whether you’re in it for the bragging rights, a spot on the wall of fame, or just a free T-shirt, these food challenges across the USA promise a feast you won’t forget. So loosen your belt, bring your appetite, and see if you have what it takes to conquer these larger-than-life plates!
72 oz. Steak Challenge – The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo, Texas
At The Big Texan Steak Ranch, challengers face off against a colossal 72 oz. steak, a shrimp cocktail, a baked potato, salad, and a buttered roll, all to be conquered within one hour.
The Kitchen Sink Challenge – San Francisco Creamery, Walnut Creek, California
The challenge dares diners to devour 2 gallons of ice cream, smothered in whipped cream, nuts, and cherries in less than 60 minutes. We can just feel the stomachache from here.
Eagle’s Challenge – Eagle’s Deli, Boston, Massachusetts
Eagle’s Deli presents a titanic test with their 5-pound burger layered with 20 slices of bacon and 20 slices of cheese, accompanied by fries and a pickle, all to be eaten in one sitting.
8th Wonder Challenge – Clinton Station Diner, Clinton, New Jersey
Participants tackle a daunting 105-pound burger—yes, 105 pounds! This gargantuan meal is meant for a team, but finishing it is a legendary feat.
Hellfire Spicy Pizza Challenge – Flying Pie Pizzaria, Boise, Idaho
Brave souls attempt to finish a large, extremely spicy pizza within a time limit. This pizza is so hot, competitors must sign a waiver before taking the challenge.
The 15 Dozen Club – Acme Oyster House, New Orleans, Louisiana
Seafood lovers try their hand at consuming 15 dozen (180) oysters in one sitting. It’s a slippery, slurpy, and sometimes gritty endeavor that tests both will and stomach capacity.
The Big Fat Fatty Challenge – Fat Sal’s Deli, Los Angeles, California
This challenge offers a monstrous sandwich filled with cheesesteak, cheeseburgers, pastrami, chicken fingers, bacon, mozzarella sticks, fried eggs, fries, onion rings, chili, marinara, and fat sauce. Finish in 40 minutes and it’s free!
The Inferno Bowl Challenge – Nitally’s Thai-Mex Cuisine, St. Petersburg, Florida
Challengers face a bowl of soup so spicy, it comes with a health warning. Made with some of the hottest peppers available, finishing this soup is both a physical and mental battle.
Mt. Olympus Burger Challenge – The Greek Joint, Hollywood, Florida
A massive 1-pound burger, layered with gyro meat, tzatziki, feta, olives, and more, served with a large Greek salad and a mountain of fries. Finishers join the restaurant’s Wall of Fame.
The Carnivore Pizza Challenge – Big Pie in the Sky, Kennesaw, Georgia
Two people take on an 11-pound, 30-inch pizza loaded with every meat topping imaginable. If they finish in under an hour, they win the prize money.
10 Ways Social Media Skews Your Perception Of Healthy Eating
Scrolling through social media can make it seem like everyone else has their healthy eating game perfectly figured out. But the reality is often very different from what’s shown online. From unrealistic standards to unverified health claims, social media can really mess with your perception of what healthy eating should look like. Here are just some of the ways these platforms skew our views and what you can do to stay grounded and healthy.
Read it Here: 10 Ways Social Media Skews Your Perception Of Healthy Eating
11 Foods That Prove How Weird American Eating Habits Are to the Rest of the World
American eating habits can seem pretty bizarre to the rest of the world. From deep-fried everything to strange flavor combinations, the U.S. has some food quirks that leave international visitors baffled. Think about the obsession with pumpkin spice or the love for marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes – these are just a couple of examples. Whether you find them delicious or just plain weird, these foods highlight how unique American tastes really are.
Read it Here: 11 Foods That Prove How Weird American Eating Habits Are to the Rest of the World
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.