Starting the Day the Bulletproof Way
For many, breakfast is a cornerstone meal, but for Dave Asprey and followers of the Bulletproof diet, the morning looks a little different. Asprey famously begins his day with Bulletproof Coffee, a blend of quality coffee, grass-fed butter, and Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil. This beverage is designed to provide sustained energy and mental clarity, replacing a traditional, carbohydrate-heavy breakfast. By replacing breakfast with this high-fat alternative, he effectively practices Bulletproof intermittent fasting, extending his overnight fast.
Alternatively, Asprey might opt for a protein and fat-rich breakfast, such as pasture-raised eggs scrambled with butter and avocado. The emphasis is always on high-quality, anti-inflammatory fats and proteins to kickstart the day without the energy crash often associated with sugar and carbohydrates.
A Nutrient-Dense Lunch
Asprey’s lunch is a moderate affair, rich in vegetables and healthy fats, and typically includes a moderate amount of high-quality protein. Examples from his own routine include a large, fresh salad with ingredients like avocado, carrots, and fennel, drizzled with olive oil and Brain Octane oil. For protein, he favors wild-caught fish, such as salmon, for its rich omega-3 fatty acid content. When dining out, he seeks out restaurants that align with his paleo or keto-focused principles. The goal is to feel satiated and energized without the afternoon slump.
A Satiating Dinner
Dinner is when Asprey often incorporates his main protein and some starchy carbohydrates. He focuses on high-quality, grass-fed or pasture-raised meats, such as a rib steak or hanger steak, cooked in healthy fats like grass-fed butter or beef tallow. His protein intake, however, is moderated to about 20% of his total daily calories, as he believes excess protein can have inflammatory effects. The meal is rounded out with a generous portion of vegetables and a limited amount of low-toxin starch, such as sweet potato, squash, or white rice. He prefers to consume these carbohydrates in the evening, as they can help increase serotonin production and improve sleep. Occasionally, for a treat, he enjoys a healthy dessert like his 'Get Some' ice cream made with grass-fed ingredients.
Core Principles of the Bulletproof Diet
Asprey's daily meal plan isn't just about the foods themselves but the strict principles that govern his choices.
High-Fat, Low-Carb: The diet is composed of 50-70% healthy fats, ~20% high-quality protein, and ~20% vegetables and minimal fruit. This macronutrient profile aims to shift the body's primary fuel source from glucose to fat for sustained energy.
Strategic Fasting: Intermittent fasting is a key component, with Bulletproof Coffee helping suppress hunger during the morning fast. He also incorporates a weekly 'protein fast' day, limiting protein to under 25 grams to promote cellular cleansing (autophagy).
Focus on Food Quality: Asprey prioritizes organic, grass-fed, and wild-caught ingredients to minimize exposure to toxins, pesticides, and mold. He asserts that mycotoxins in coffee, for instance, are a significant source of inflammation, which has led him to develop his own brand of mold-free coffee.
Toxin Avoidance: Asprey strictly avoids specific foods considered inflammatory or high in toxins, including:
- Sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Grains and legumes
- Industrial seed and vegetable oils (e.g., canola, soy, sunflower)
- Most conventional dairy products, except grass-fed butter and ghee
- Processed and microwaved foods
How the Diet Compares to Other Approaches
| Feature | Bulletproof Diet | Ketogenic Diet | Paleo Diet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macronutrient Ratio | High-fat (50-70%), Moderate-protein, Low-carb | High-fat (70-80%), Moderate-protein, Very low-carb | Varied, but focuses on whole foods like meat, fish, fruits, vegetables | |
| Food Quality | Emphasizes organic, grass-fed, and low-toxin foods | Less stringent on food sourcing, focusing on macros | Prioritizes unprocessed, whole foods; avoids grains, legumes, dairy | |
| Intermittent Fasting | An integral part of the lifestyle, especially with Bulletproof Coffee | Often practiced alongside keto, but not a defining feature | Not a core tenet, but compatible with the philosophy | |
| Supplements | Recommends a significant stack of supplements | Supplements may be used, but not as central to the philosophy | Not a core feature of the diet |
Strategic Supplementation
Beyond his food choices, Asprey is a proponent of strategic supplementation as a form of biohacking. While he has been reported to take a large number of supplements daily, his recommendations typically start with a few foundational products. These include a broad-spectrum mineral supplement and specific vitamins like DAKE (D, A, K, E) to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and cellular function. Other supplements frequently mentioned or taken include collagen, magnesium, vitamin C, and omega-3s, often derived from krill oil. The entire supplement stack is designed to address potential deficiencies and further optimize physical and cognitive performance.
Conclusion: The Biohacker's Plate
For those wondering what does Dave Asprey eat every day, the answer is a highly curated and structured approach to nutrition. It's not a casual or lenient diet, but a methodically planned routine driven by the philosophy of biohacking. By prioritizing high-quality fats, moderating protein, strategically timing carbohydrates, and strictly avoiding inflammatory foods, he aims to maximize energy, mental clarity, and longevity. The integration of practices like intermittent fasting and a comprehensive supplement regimen further refines this system. While some aspects of his claims have faced criticism, Asprey's dedication to optimizing his nutritional intake remains a central pillar of his biohacking journey.
Learn more about his principles and recipes directly from his platform daveasprey.com.