The kitchen was just as important as the gym for bodybuilding icon Jay Cutler. On Jan. 9, 2025, via YouTube, he discussed whether protein powder can serve as your main source of protein for gains.
Proper nutrition is what sets legends apart from average competitors on the bodybuilding stage. Cutler understood that wholeheartedly. In his prime, he spent over $50,000 a year on food. Sporting a near-300-pound physique took an enormous amount of fuel, so Cutler ate around four pounds of meat a day. He even mentioned buying whole cows at a time.
Other protein sources, like chicken and eggs, were always on his shopping list as well. He’d purchase 30 dozen eggs and 150 pounds of chicken to help him stay on top of training and recovery demands.
Protein powder wasn’t as available during Cutler’s competitive days as it is now. Nevertheless, he did use it during his career and is now touching on whether it could have replaced other protein sources altogether.
Jay Cutler Reveals Whether Protein Powder Can Be Your Main Source of Protein for Gains
Cutler emphasized that protein powder is a supplement and that it should be supplemented with a clean, balanced diet.
“Can you consume protein powder as your main source of protein? I feel definitely protein powder can work… but it’s a supplement, supplemented in with a great diet.”
While protein powder is a great addition to meet your macros, he still suggests meat-based protein sources, such as chicken, steak, eggs, fish, and turkey.
“If you’re trying to fill yourself and get the calories in or you’re trying to get enough protein, I suggest that protein is a great additive to your current program, but I still suggest your chicken, your steak, your eggs, your fish, turkey, whatever it is. You can put your proteins in there, your protein powders, I’d always suggest an isolate.”
Beyond protein options, he pointed to the importance of meal scheduling. Everyone is different, but Cutler always began his days with eggs, then added chicken, beef, and/or carbohydrates.
“I feel like you have to have a meal schedule. I was a beneficial eater at every two hours. I found myself sitting, eating six, seven, eight meals a day sometimes.
Everyone’s variation is different, how much protein they need to take in per meal, but for me, I always started my day with eggs in the morning and led that with chicken or beef, of course, adding carbohydrates in there too.”
He believes it’s best to stick with the basics and to include protein shakes when you need them. Since they are convenient and quick to prepare, Cutler believes they earn their keep in diets.
“Always sticking to the standard, which is eggs, beef, chicken, and of course, your protein shakes when you need it,” he said.
The value and effectiveness of protein powders have been heavily debated. Arnold Schwarzenegger examined its impact on the fitness community. He actually warned that with whey protein concentrates, you could be receiving significantly less protein than advertised.
Cutler used protein powder as a tool during his career, not a crutch. He believes it has merit but maintains that it’s a supplement for a clean diet, not a replacement.
Watch the full video from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel below:
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