Check out everything Alexander Skarsgård ate to become the Northman.
In the cinematic world of epic Viking tales, Alexander Skarsgård’s portrayal of Amleth in the movie “The Northman” stands out not just for his remarkable performance but also for the physical transformation he underwent to embody the character.
A crucial aspect of this metamorphosis was Skarsgård’s meticulous approach to nutrition. In this article, we delve into the details of what Alexander Skarsgård ate during the build-up phase to prepare for “The Northman.”
But how could we, at BOXROX, know exactly what Alexander Skarsgård ate to become the Northman? Well, we tuned in with his personal fitness coach and health expert Magnus Lygdback.
Magnus Lygdback is a world-renowned Swedish health and wellness expert, entrepreneur and lifestyle coach. He has worked with some of the most recognisable actors, musician, athletes in the world. He has a YouTube channel called Magnus Method that you can check it out.
Source: Shahin Khalaji/Faria Anzum on UnsplashLet’s dive into the diet and how Alexander Skarsgård managed to get into shape to play Amleth in the movie The Northman.
Everything Alexander Skarsgård Ate to Become the Northman
Below is what Magnus talked about Alexander’s diet for the movie.
The Phases of Transformation:
Making a movie like “The Northman” involves an extended process, including three to six months of preparation and an additional five to six months of filming. Skarsgård, under the guidance of his trainer, Magnus, navigated through distinct phases: the build-up or bulk-up phase, the cutting phase, and the maintenance phase.
- Build-Up Phase:
During the build-up phase, the primary goal was to put on maximum muscle mass. Skarsgård consumed around 3,700 calories per day, focusing on a balance of macronutrients—protein, fat, and carbs. The macronutrients are essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall energy.
- Protein: 200 grams per day
- Carbs: Approximately 450 grams per day
- Fat: Around 150 grams per day
Skarsgård’s diet included diverse protein sources such as lamb, beef, fish, chicken, and eggs. Carbohydrates came from pasta, potatoes, rice, quinoa, and other slow carbs. Healthy fats were derived from fish oil, avocado, olive oil, and nuts.
A typical day in the build-up phase involved a substantial breakfast, snacks between meals, and a dinner consisting of a protein source (like rib-eye steak), potatoes, and various vegetables.
- Cutting Phase:
In the cutting phase, the focus shifted to reducing body fat while preserving muscle mass. While some projects allow for a distinct cutting phase, tight schedules sometimes require simultaneous muscle gain and fat loss. Skarsgård’s cutting phase involved a precise balance of nutrition and training to achieve a shredded physique.
- Maintenance Phase:
The maintenance phase occurred during the filming period, where Skarsgård needed to sustain his physique over an extended duration. This phase posed unique challenges, requiring constant monitoring to ensure he maintained muscle mass and low body fat levels while working long hours on set.
In conclusion, Alexander Skarsgård’s journey to becoming Amleth in “The Northman” unveils the intricacies and dedication involved in achieving a transformative physique for cinematic roles. Beyond the captivating narrative and stellar performances, the physical demands of portraying a Viking warrior necessitated a comprehensive approach to both nutrition and training.
The partnership between Skarsgård and his trainer, Magnus, exemplifies the importance of a well-rounded strategy in the pursuit of a character’s physical embodiment. The meticulous planning of Skarsgård’s diet, with a focus on macronutrients and high-quality food sources, highlights the significance of nutrition in sculpting a powerful and authentic on-screen presence.
The distinct phases—build-up, cutting, and maintenance—underscore the temporal and strategic considerations integral to achieving a specific physique for a role. The challenges presented during each phase, whether it be the calorie surplus during the build-up or the delicate balance required in the maintenance phase, emphasize the precision and commitment demanded in the pursuit of cinematic excellence.
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Furthermore, the article sheds light on the often underestimated role of nutrition in sustaining physical performance during filming. The maintenance phase, where Skarsgård needed to stay vigilant about his diet while working long hours on set, underscores the critical role nutrition plays in preventing injuries and ensuring optimal performance.
Skarsgård’s willingness to embrace the challenges of the cutting phase, even if it was not his favourite, reflects the dedication required to bring a character to life authentically. The article offers a glimpse into the actor’s commitment, not just to the craft of acting, but also to the holistic approach required for physical transformations in the world of filmmaking.
In essence, the story of Alexander Skarsgård’s nutrition journey for “The Northman” is not just about the numbers on a scale or the calories consumed; it’s a testament to the fusion of art and science, where the alchemy of nutrition and training converges to create a cinematic masterpiece. Skarsgård’s commitment to both the character and the physical demands of the role provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the arduous yet rewarding process of bringing a Viking warrior to life on the silver screen.
Watch the video below for more information and visual cues about the diet and everything Alexander Skarsgård ate to become the Northman.
How to Make the Biggest Visual Change To Your Body Quickly
We at BOXROX need to put a big warning sign after this article. That is because we are not encouraging people to eat like Alexander Skarsgård after writing this article. This is simply a piece of curiosity for our readers. Why is that?
You have seen it countless times in the past years and it seems it will never go away – celebrities talking about how they got into shape for a specific purpose. Here is why you should not follow celebrity fitness advice.
“Eat X to look like Y.” “Train like [insert celebrity who got buffed and is releasing a movie soon] to get super jacked.” These headlines, unfortunately, grab the attention of most people, but the truth is that for you to look like Captain Marvel, Thor or the latest superhero actor, you need much more than to train or eat properly.
In the end, that is why you should not follow celebrity fitness advice. They are celebrities with an entire organisation behind them to support and give them the necessary edge to look a certain way. You, on the other hand, probably do not have that.
Celebrity fitness advice often has exaggerated claims. And while we only see the end result, a body that transformed from A to B, the media tends to glorify whatever attitudes such celebrities did to reach that fitness goal.
Someone like Dwayne The Rock Johnson, for example, earns millions of dollars to get to a certain level of fitness. He also has been training in the gym for decades, knows how much his body can take, and is surrounded by physiotherapists and doctors who will guide him through the process at all times.
Image Sources
- Viking-Face: Shahin Khalaji/Faria Anzum on Unsplash
- warrior diet: Giole Fazzeri / Unsplash