Singapore, May 2, 2010 - Competitive eating, anyone? First, be prepared.
The Sunday Times interviewed three top-ranking professional eating world champions - American Joey Chestnut, Japanese Takeru Kobayashi and Chinese American Juliet Lee - for "survival" tips.
Swallow, don't chew
Mr Joey Chestnut, 25, ranked No. 1 in the world, said swallowing is the fastest method and he avoids chewing where possible. To help the food go down smoothly, he "keeps to a rhythm" with "a sense of urgency" when swallowing.
Practice helps
Mr Takeru Kobayashi, 31, ranked second in the world, has been practising for the shrimp wonton contest since last month. He does not set himself a goal but tries to better his record each time.
Meditate
Ms Juliet Lee, 44, ranked 11th in the world, believes in mind over matter and she meditates before and during a contest to help her increase her appetite. While what she meditates on varies, she has imagined her stomach stretching to take in more food.
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