A Mass-Monster's Massive Diet
Four-time Mr. Olympia winner Jay Cutler is renowned for his immense size and conditioning, both of which were built on the foundation of a relentless training regimen and an even more relentless eating schedule. The sheer volume of food, particularly meat, that he consumed is legendary in the bodybuilding community. In interviews and recounts of his competitive prime, Cutler consistently mentioned consuming around four pounds of meat daily, spread across his multiple meals. This was not a luxury but a necessity for fueling his 300-pound off-season frame and supporting muscle repair and growth.
The Staples of His Meat Intake
Cutler's carnivorous approach wasn't limited to a single type of meat. He relied on a variety of sources to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The primary staples included:
- Chicken: He would purchase up to 150 pounds of chicken at a time to prep for his daily meals, typically barbecuing large quantities at once. Chicken breast provided a lean protein source, essential for maintaining a high protein-to-calorie ratio.
- Beef: Especially during his off-season when bulking for mass, red meat was a significant component of his diet. Beef provided additional calories, healthy fats, and natural creatine to support his immense size. Cutler's commitment was so serious that he once bought and butchered an entire cow to fill his freezers.
- Other Meats: In addition to chicken and beef, Cutler's diet also included other lean protein sources like bison and buffalo.
The Daily Grind: Spreading Out the Protein
Cutler's approach was characterized by consistency and quantity. Instead of a few large meals, he ate 6 to 8 times a day, approximately every two hours. Each of these meals was substantial, often including 12 to 16 ounces of meat. This consistent meal timing, often described as 'eating like a machine,' was crucial for keeping his metabolism fired up and ensuring a steady flow of nutrients to his muscles. His intense eating regimen was a 24/7 job, requiring hours of food preparation to make sure his Tupperware containers were always full.
Beyond meat, his daily calorie intake, sometimes reaching 6,000 to 7,000 calories during his peak, included an astonishing number of egg whites—up to 140 per day—and massive amounts of carbohydrates from sources like rice, pasta, and oatmeal. This combination of protein and carbs was the fuel for his notoriously grueling workouts.
Comparison: Off-Season vs. Contest Prep Meat Consumption
To understand the full scope of Cutler's diet, it's important to differentiate between his off-season bulking and his pre-contest cutting phase. While both required immense amounts of protein, the specific types and caloric densities would shift.
| Aspect | Off-Season (Bulking) | Contest Prep (Cutting) |
|---|---|---|
| Meat Quantity | Consumed up to 4-5 pounds of meat daily to gain and maintain mass. | Likely slightly reduced quantity, but still very high, to shed body fat. |
| Types of Meat | Higher intake of red meat (steak, ground beef) for extra calories and creatine. | Primarily lean protein sources like chicken breast and fish to minimize fat intake. |
| Cooking Method | Any method, with taste being less of a concern than calories. | Carefully prepared to be lean and sodium-controlled. |
| Dietary Context | Paired with high carbohydrates (up to 1,000g/day) and fat to maximize growth. | Carbs are strategically restricted and timed around workouts. |
The Financial Cost and Monotony of a Pro Bodybuilder's Diet
This extreme level of consumption came with significant financial and personal costs. Cutler revealed that his annual food expenses during his prime were over $50,000. The diet's monotony was also a major mental hurdle. Cutler famously stated that he ate for function, not taste, and would often eat the same few meals every day to ensure consistency. The entire process of preparing and consuming food was a full-time job in itself, a testament to the dedication required at the top of the sport.
Conclusion: A Testament to Extreme Dedication
Jay Cutler's meat consumption, averaging four to five pounds daily, is a striking example of the lengths professional bodybuilders go to achieve their physique. His diet was a carefully planned, high-protein, and high-calorie regimen centered around frequent, substantial meals of chicken, beef, and other protein sources. This extreme dedication to his nutritional plan was just as critical as his legendary training in earning him multiple Mr. Olympia titles. For most individuals, this quantity of meat is neither necessary nor advisable. It serves as a vivid illustration of the unparalleled commitment that defines the elite tier of competitive bodybuilding.
