Health

The Rock eats 6 meals a day, starting with a breakfast of bison, oatmeal, and papaya

Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson appears at the Warner Brothers panel promoting his upcoming film "Black Adam" at 2022 Comic-Con International Day 3 at San Diego Convention Center on July 23, 2022 in San Diego, California.
Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Daniel Knighton/Getty Images
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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson said he eats six meals a day to support his massive muscles, with plenty of protein, greens, and complex carbs, according to an interview with Men's Health

Johnson, 50, told Men's Health that he aims to eat clean year-round, so his eating habits and nutrition don't vary much. 

"It's better to stay in shape than to get in shape," he said. "I am a real creature of habit. I usually eat the same thing every day for days and weeks and months. It's very consistent. It's very boring. It's also extremely disciplined."

Johnson said he likes to start each day with a breakfast of eggs, lean meat like bison, oatmeal for complex carbs, and fruit like papaya or blueberries. 

Since the Rock gets up early, he's ready for his second meal of the day by 10 a.m., sitting down to a heaping plate of chicken, greens, and rice. Later on, he'll enjoy more more lean meat like fish or chicken, greens for nutrients, and slower-digesting carbs like sweet potato.

Johnson also drinks a big protein shake after workouts, his strength and conditioning coach Dave Rienzi previously told Insider.

His protein shakes include up to 70 grams of protein powder, 35 grams of carbohydrate power, fruit, and the muscle-building supplement creatine, which helps provide more fuel for intense workouts. 

When training for a role, the Rock carefully tracks food with a scale. In total, Johnson said his diet is about 40 to 45% protein — much higher than the typical recommended protein intake — along with 40 to 50% carbs and 15 to 20% fats.

Protein is a crucial nutrient for building and maintaining muscle. Carbs are important for energy, and complex carbs (containing more fiber) are good for maintaining stable blood sugar and energy. Rounding out your diet with healthy fats helps to absorb nutrients, regulate metabolism, and increase satiety.   

The routine helps him tackle his muscle-building workouts and keeps him feeling full even when trying to lose body fat. 

"We've got it down to a science where we fine-tune the macros and I never feel hungry," he said. 

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Gabby Landsverk
Gabby is a Health Correspondent with a focus on nutrition, fitness, longevity, and all things performance.Her coverage spans from the daily routines of top athletes like Michael Phelps and Coco Gauff to the latest cutting-edge science on building muscle to the rise of peptides, supplements, and GLP medications. She loves a deep dive into fitness subcultures, health companies, or the science behind managing and preventing disease, particularly early-onset cancers. Gabby has a background in investigative journalism (previously contributing research for an investigation on correctional healthcare for the New Yorker).In her free time, she likes lifting heavy, running fast, and playing roller derby for Gotham in New York City.Send story ideas and tips to glandsverk@bjinnox.com.Expertise/Interests
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