What was Taylor Lautner's diet in Twilight? Unpacking the 5,000-Calorie Regimen

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the actor himself, Taylor Lautner famously gained 35 pounds of muscle between the first film and New Moon, a transformation fueled by an aggressive diet and rigorous training. This demanding regimen was a necessity to portray the muscular werewolf Jacob Black, a physical ideal that became a major part of the franchise's identity.

Quick Summary

Taylor Lautner's diet for his Twilight role was a punishing, high-calorie and high-protein plan designed for rapid muscle gain. It involved consuming up to 5,000 calories daily through frequent meals and shakes to achieve a muscular physique, a process the actor later revealed was emotionally taxing and unsustainable.

Key Points

High-Calorie Bulk: Taylor Lautner consumed up to 5,000 calories daily to gain and maintain muscle mass for his role as Jacob Black.
High-Protein Diet: The bulk of his diet was comprised of protein to aid in building 35 pounds of muscle, with shakes being a constant fixture.
Structured Meal Plan: He followed a regimented eating schedule with frequent, planned meals including egg whites, chicken, salmon, and sweet potatoes.
Intense Training: The diet was paired with a punishing workout schedule, multiple times a day and six days a week.
Mental Health Impact: Lautner later revealed the unsustainable regimen led to significant body image issues and psychological stress.
Current Balanced Approach: Today, the actor prioritizes mental health, intuitive eating, and a more balanced, less intense approach to fitness.

The Extreme Calorie Intake for a Werewolf's Physique

To physically transform into the werewolf Jacob Black, Taylor Lautner embarked on a diet that was nothing short of extreme. As he later revealed, he needed to consume at least 5,000 calories a day, primarily to maintain the significant weight gain required for the role. This caloric load was necessary to support a heavy training schedule and fuel the muscle-building process. Lautner had to work diligently to prevent weight loss, with one source mentioning his trainer waking him up early just to have a 600-700 calorie protein shake. This forced consumption was a stark contrast to his earlier physique and required a level of discipline that became all-consuming for the young actor.

Macronutrient Focus: High Protein for Muscle Growth

While the sheer volume of calories is remarkable, the composition of Lautner's diet was also strategically tailored for lean muscle development. The nutrition plan focused heavily on a high-protein intake, aiming for approximately one gram of protein per pound of body weight to support muscle tissue repair and growth. Protein shakes were a constant, albeit unappetizing, part of his daily life. The rest of his diet was made up of carbohydrates for energy and moderate fats for overall health. The specific menu was designed to be clean and consistent, providing the necessary fuel without adding excess body fat.

A Typical Meal Plan During Filming

For a glimpse into Lautner's daily dietary routine during his Twilight bulk, the meal plan involved frequent, nutrient-dense meals. This approach helped him spread out the immense calorie count and maintain consistent energy levels for his intense workouts.

Breakfast: A high-protein start, such as a four-egg white omelet with toast. Pomegranate juice or green tea would often accompany this meal.
Lunch: A large portion of lean protein was a priority. Options included half a rotisserie chicken with a side of rice pilaf, green beans, and butternut squash.
Dinner: Cooked salmon with sweet potato and mixed vegetables prepared with olive oil rounded out the day's main meals.
Post-Workout: A crucial part of the regimen, consisting of either a protein and carb mix like mac and cheese or one of his many protein shakes.
Snacks: Small, frequent meals and shakes were interspersed throughout the day to meet the caloric demands and prevent muscle breakdown.

The Unhealthy Reality and Aftermath

Years later, Taylor Lautner spoke candidly about the negative impact of his intense fitness regime on his mental health. He revealed that achieving and maintaining the physique of Jacob Black, which was not his natural body type, led to body image issues and an unsustainable lifestyle. The pressure of having to stay shirtless and looking 'unbelievable' created a psychological burden that stayed with him long after the franchise ended. This experience led to a period where he rebelled against the gym and the restrictive diet, showcasing the toll it took on him. His story highlights the stark difference between achieving a specific physique for a role and sustaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Comparing the Twilight Diet with Today's Approach


Aspect	Twilight Diet	Post-Twilight Approach
Calorie Intake	Up to 5,000 calories/day	Intuitive eating, less focus on counting
Protein	Extremely high, 1g per lb body weight	Balanced with other macronutrients
Workout Frequency	Multiple sessions, 5-6 days a week	Less intense, based on how his body feels
Mental Focus	All-consuming, body image pressure	Prioritizes mental health and balance
Sustainability	Unsustainable and emotionally exhausting	Sustainable and mentally healthy

The Role of Professional Guidance

To manage this monumental physical undertaking, Lautner worked with professionals, including personal trainers and nutritionists, to ensure he achieved the results safely. The tailored regimen involved a precise combination of diet and exercise to facilitate the muscle growth while minimizing fat gain. The collaboration with experts was essential in planning the meal timing and composition, especially regarding post-workout nutrition to optimize recovery. However, even with professional guidance, the immense pressure and intensity of the regimen ultimately took a significant toll on his well-being, proving that such extreme changes are not without consequences.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Extreme Transformation

While Taylor Lautner's dramatic physical transformation for Twilight was visually impressive and played a key part in his character's persona, the diet behind it was a demanding and unsustainable endeavor. His regimen of up to 5,000 calories per day, packed with protein and supported by relentless workouts, was a means to a cinematic end. The actor's subsequent candidness about his struggles with body image and the mental toll of this high-pressure lifestyle serves as an important reminder. The quest for an idealized physique for a film role is far from a typical, healthy fitness journey, underscoring the importance of prioritizing overall well-being over extreme physical demands. For those seeking sustainable fitness, a balanced and mentally healthy approach is far more beneficial than replicating Lautner's intense, project-based diet. CNN details Lautner's experience with the diet and his thoughts years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

For his role as Jacob Black in the Twilight films, Taylor Lautner had to consume up to 5,000 calories per day to gain muscle and maintain his physique.

A typical meal plan included meals like a four-egg white omelet for breakfast, rotisserie chicken with rice pilaf for lunch, and cooked salmon with sweet potato for dinner. He also relied heavily on protein shakes.

No, Taylor Lautner has described the diet as an 'absolute nightmare' and the constant consumption of food and protein shakes as emotionally exhausting.

The intense regimen contributed to body image issues and psychological distress for Lautner, a feeling that persisted for years after the franchise concluded.

Yes, Taylor Lautner worked with personal trainers and nutritionists to design and manage his intense diet and workout plan, ensuring he built muscle mass correctly.

Today, Lautner's approach is focused on mental health and balance. He practices intuitive eating and exercises based on how his body feels, rather than following a strict, all-consuming regimen.

Lautner admitted he rebelled against the gym and the lifestyle after filming ended. He reflected that the physique was 'not my natural body' and was challenging to maintain, especially under public scrutiny.