Dave Bautista, the actor and former WWE star, has recently shared his journey of losing 75 pounds, revealing both his workout strategies and dietary adjustments in a candid interview.
Bautista’s Weight Loss Journey
In a conversation with journalist Chris Van Vliet, Bautista discussed his recent weight loss, which he undertook to align more closely with the physique of his Hollywood peers. Bautista, who had bulked up for his role in the 2023 film “Knock at the Cabin,” admitted that he had gained weight rapidly by indulging in high-calorie foods like french fries and pancakes.
“I realized I had overdone it,” Bautista reflected, noting that shedding the extra pounds was a prolonged process. “As I lost weight, I felt better and looked better on camera and alongside other actors.”
Addressing concerns from fans about his drastic weight change, Bautista reassured that he is not suffering from any eating disorders but is simply a larger individual. “At 6’4″ and 240 pounds, I look quite imposing next to smaller actors,” he quipped.
Diet and Caloric Intake
Although Bautista did not specify the exact workouts contributing to his weight loss, he mentioned his rigorous training and calorie restriction. He maintains a daily caloric intake of approximately 2,500 calories, describing it as “nothing” in his current regimen.
He practices intermittent fasting, restricting his eating to a short window each day and avoiding food three to four hours before bedtime. “It’s a tight eating window,” Bautista noted during the interview, where he had yet to eat despite it being past noon.
Bautista’s Dietary Preferences
Previously, Bautista shared with Men’s Health that his diet is predominantly plant-based, supplemented with fish a few times a week. After discovering a dairy allergy in 2005, he eliminated dairy from his diet and further removed red meat, pork, and poultry over the years. He currently includes fish and eggs in his diet and has future plans to adopt a fully vegan lifestyle.
For on-set meals, Bautista has stipulated in his contracts that he eats every four hours, with preferred snacks including almond butter with banana and vegan, gluten-free grilled cheese. Sushi remains a staple in his diet, described humorously as his favorite “every day, all day” meal.
Workout Regimen
Bautista’s workout routine reflects a balance of weight training, cardio, and martial arts. While he engaged in extensive bodybuilding during his WWE career, he now incorporates more cardio into his routine. His most challenging workouts include high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and fight training.
“I find HIIT training, especially while getting punched, to be the most grueling experience,” Bautista admitted. Squats, he says, are his favorite exercise, stemming from a desire to avoid having “skinny legs.”
His daily routine involves weight training, complemented by boxing and cycling. Bautista also enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu and considers boxing the ultimate form of cardio. “Boxing is my go-to,” he said. “It’s the best cardio workout.”
Bautista’s dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle showcases his commitment to fitness and his adaptability in managing weight and performance.
