What is Steve Reeves's Diet for Bodybuilding?

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Winning the 1950 Mr. Universe at 6'1" and 220 pounds, Steve Reeves was celebrated for his natural, aesthetic physique, which he achieved by prioritizing a clean, balanced diet over the processed foods and supplements prevalent today.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the core principles of Steve Reeves's bodybuilding diet, including his 3-meals-a-day structure, balanced macronutrient approach, and focus on whole, unprocessed foods. It details his iconic power drink, typical meal examples, and provides a comparison with modern dietary practices.

Key Points

Three Meals a Day: Reeves followed a simple, disciplined eating schedule of three main meals, which is a stark contrast to the modern practice of eating 5-6 smaller meals.
High-Carbohydrate Macro Ratio: His diet featured a macro ratio of 60% carbohydrates, 20% protein, and 20% fat, a different approach to modern high-protein diets.
The 'Power Drink' Breakfast: He started his day with a specific blended drink containing orange juice, eggs, gelatin, and homemade protein powder for a robust energy boost.
Focus on Whole Foods: Reeves was a strong advocate for eating natural, unprocessed foods and completely avoided white sugar and white flour.
Minimal Supplements: Unlike today's supplement-heavy routines, Reeves relied primarily on whole foods and even made his own protein powder.
Hydration During Workouts: He used a homemade electrolyte drink of lemon juice, honey, and water to sustain his energy levels during intense training sessions.

The Foundation of Reeves's Nutritional Philosophy

Steve Reeves's diet was famously straightforward, based on whole foods, and structured around just three meals a day. His approach stood in stark contrast to the modern practice of eating multiple small meals and relying heavily on supplements. Reeves believed in a natural, sustainable method to build muscle and maintain a lean physique, which he detailed in his book, Building The Classic Physique The Natural Way. He focused on listening to his body rather than obsessively counting calories.

The Macronutrient Blueprint: 60/20/20 Split

Reeves advocated for a macronutrient ratio of approximately 60% carbohydrates, 20% protein, and 20% fat. This high-carbohydrate approach was deliberately chosen because he found that it provided him with ample energy for his demanding training sessions. While modern bodybuilding diets often prioritize a much higher protein intake, Reeves's focus on complex carbohydrates highlights a different, but effective, nutritional philosophy for achieving an aesthetic, balanced physique.

A Day in the Life: A Sample Meal Plan

Reeves's daily diet followed a predictable pattern, emphasizing real, unprocessed foods:

Breakfast: The Power Drink Reeves started his day with a specific blended 'Power Drink'. The full recipe can be found in the referenced web document.
Lunch: Fruits and Cottage Cheese His lunch typically included a bowl of fresh fruits, cottage cheese, nuts, and raisins.
Dinner: Lean Protein and a Large Salad For dinner, Reeves consumed a large mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette and a source of lean protein like swordfish, turkey, or tuna.

The Emphasis on Whole Foods and Avoiding Refined Ingredients

Steve Reeves strictly avoided processed foods, including white sugar and white flour, opting for natural alternatives. This focus on clean eating provided nutrient-dense fuel, supporting his physique goals without excess fat gain. This principle remains vital for good nutrition.

The Role of Meal Timing and Hydration

Reeves maintained a simple, consistent schedule of three meals daily. He also developed a homemade intra-workout drink using lemon juice, honey, and water to help maintain energy during training.

Comparison: Steve Reeves vs. Modern Bodybuilding Diets


Feature	Steve Reeves's Diet	Modern Bodybuilding Diet
Meal Frequency	3 meals per day	Often 5-6 smaller meals per day
Macro Ratio	High-carb (60/20/20 Carb/Protein/Fat)	High-protein, varied carb and fat amounts
Food Quality	Focus on whole, unprocessed foods	Often incorporates supplements and processed foods
Supplements	Used homemade protein powder	Relies heavily on a wide range of supplements like whey protein, creatine, and BCAAs
Cardio	Advocated for powerwalking	Often involves various forms of cardio for conditioning
Philosophy	Aesthetic physique, natural approach	Emphasis on sheer size and extreme conditioning

Conclusion: The Timeless Principles of Reeves's Diet

Steve Reeves's diet offers valuable lessons for a natural, aesthetic physique. His focus on whole foods, a balanced macronutrient intake favoring carbohydrates for energy, and a simple meal structure highlight consistency and moderation. While modern sports nutrition includes supplements and new strategies, Reeves's principles of clean eating and smart fueling remain relevant for building a healthy body naturally. For those wanting more details, his book, Building The Classic Physique The Natural Way, provides a full overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

The key principles of Steve Reeves's diet included eating three balanced meals a day, maintaining a 60/20/20 macronutrient ratio (carbs/protein/fat), focusing on whole and unprocessed foods, and avoiding refined sugar and white flour.

For breakfast, Steve Reeves drank a 'Power Drink' blended from orange juice, eggs, gelatin, honey, a banana, and his own homemade protein powder.

Reeves's diet differed in its emphasis on fewer meals per day (three instead of five or six), a higher carbohydrate percentage, and a greater reliance on whole foods rather than numerous supplements.

Reeves was not a fan of most supplements, but he did use his own homemade protein powder as part of his daily Power Drink. He believed in getting most nutrients from a balanced diet of whole foods.

Reeves believed a higher carbohydrate intake provided him with more consistent energy for his workouts. His 60% carbohydrate ratio was intentional for fueling his training sessions.

Lunch typically consisted of fruits, cottage cheese, nuts, and raisins. Dinner was usually a large salad with lean protein, such as swordfish, tuna, or turkey.

Yes, Steve Reeves's diet remains relevant for promoting a natural, aesthetic physique through clean, whole-food eating and a focus on balance and moderation. His foundational principles are timeless for anyone prioritizing long-term health in their fitness journey.