As people age, many naturally shift toward lighter, plant-forward or reduced-meat diets. Research shows that the body’s ability to process saturated fats declines over time, digestive efficiency slows, and inflammation markers tend to rise with age. Circulation and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also link high red-meat intake to elevated risks of heart strain, higher LDL cholesterol, and increased oxidative stress, all factors that adults become more conscious of as they move into their 40s, 50s, and beyond.

And now, Jay Cutler, one of bodybuilding’s most iconic champions, has joined the growing list of veterans adopting lighter protein sources as they get older. Cutler has revealed that he has significantly pulled back on red meat, sparking curiosity across the fitness world.

So why is one of the sport’s most disciplined athletes stepping away from a bodybuilding staple?

Six days ago, Jay Cutler appeared on the Unwracks Podcast with host Andrew Berry and co-host Sir Kyle Wilkes. Near the end of the episode, he opened up about the routine he follows at 52. Let’s see what he said in the podcast.

Jay Cutler Turns the Page on the Protein

“Cardio fast in the morning. That’s my meditation. I don’t ice bath. I don’t sauna. I don’t do infrared or whatever, but just structure, the diet’s impeccable. I eat chicken, rice. I stay away from red meat… heavily now. I don’t use much red meat. Still have my egg whites in the morning, but that fasted cardio and four glasses of water in the morning, I don’t know what else there is,” Cutler shared.

For someone who once consumed enormous quantities of beef during his Mr Olympia years, this shift is significant. At 52, his body has different needs. Lowering red meat may help reduce systemic inflammation, support smoother digestion, and manage cardiovascular strain, concerns that become more relevant with age, even for elite athletes. Another possible factor could be recovery: lighter protein sources can place less workload on the digestive system, allowing energy to shift toward training output and metabolic efficiency.

 What are your thoughts on Cutler's decision? Let us know in the comments section.

Written by

Amanjeet Singh

Edited by

Joyita Das