SHORT TAKES : Lee Haney Eats Up Competition

Perennial Mr. Olympia Lee Haney could be a hero to Weight Watchers dropouts everywhere.

Haney, crowned Mr. Olympia on Saturday for the seventh consecutive time, said the secret to his muscle-bound form is eating--and eating--and eating some more.

The key is eating the right food, said Haney, 30, who estimates that he gobbles up 4,000 to 5,000 calories a day, 65 to 70% of them carbohydrates.

“But most people eat a high-fat diet, have bacon or sausage in the morning, a burger for lunch, and before they know it, they have had 5,000 calories and have a lot of body fat,” he said.

Haney’s latest Mr. Olympia crown, which came with $70,000 in prize money, eclipsed the record of six consecutive titles that he shared with actor Arnold Schwarzenegger. It also left the two tied for the overall title with seven wins apiece.

“Anyone who can repeat two, three or four times is tough to defeat and is very special,” Haney said. “They know their body, their nutrition, their preparation. That’s what made Arnold so great. It’s not that easy.”