Bodybuilders and Strongmen of the Past consuming Gelatin Protein, Saturated Fats, and Healthy Sugars: Steve Reeves

“The Steve Reeves Power Drink
(Prepared in blender)

14 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon of Knox gelatin
1 tablespoon of honey
1 banana
2-4 raw eggs (today, pasteurized eggs might be safer)
2 tablespoons of High-Protein Powder (I make my own.)” Steve Reeves with John Little and Bob Wolff, Ph.D., “Building the Classic Physique: The Natural Way” (1995)

“On the subject of nutrition, Reeves was, in the main, very much in time with modern beliefs on the value of a well-balanced diet complete with a wide variety of wholesome ingredients and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Perhaps he had an advantage here, for his mother was a nutritionist who provided her son with a sound education in this field. Steve also believed in the power of a daily protein drink, consisting of fresh orange juice, Knox gelatin, 2 to 4 raw eggs, a banana, honey, and some protein powder. He made his own powder consisting of egg-white powder, skimmed milk powder and soy protein powder, and also believed in the power of a special energy drink that he used to take during his workouts, which consisted of lemon juice with honey. Figs were another favorite and it also seems that he liked to eat steak with salad. Reports that he was almost a vegetarian are untrue, although he certainly ate a large quantity of fresh vegetables and fruits. He also liked goat’s milk and would often drink two quarts of it on a daily basis.” Alan Radley, “Grimek, Reeves, Park and the American Muscular Ideal” (2001)

Further Resources:

1. Gelatin | Broth: Reference Page
2. Enter the WABAC: Gelatin
3. No Whey, Just Eat Real Nutrient Dense Food: Old School Nutrition for an Old School Physique
4. The Thyroid: Reference Page
5. Sugar | Carbohydrates: Reference Page
6. Enter the WABAC: Sugar is Healthy