Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, 29, has taken a disciplined approach to his fitness and diet, revealing to GQ that his current regimen is the best it’s ever been. Recently married to actress Hailee Steinfeld, Allen admitted that personal milestones have motivated him to stay in top shape, both for his health and to look sharp at events.
While not a fan of strict eating windows like intermittent fasting, Allen prefers a light breakfast or even skips it altogether, depending on how he feels each morning.
Allen Focuses on Clean Eating, Strength Training, Swimming, and Recovery for Peak Performance
Allen’s diet emphasizes protein sources like steak, chicken, fish, and particularly sushi, which he praises for its nutritional balance and variety. Though he doesn’t obsessively count calories, he is intentional about eliminating butter and dairy to maintain a cleaner diet. When back in Buffalo, he benefits from a team chef who cooks meals twice a week, ensuring that his food remains both nutritious and tailored to his performance needs.

Allen trains four days a week, alternating between upper and lower body workouts, with swimming as a go-to full-body exercise. Having swum competitively growing up, he finds it an excellent way to condition his body without excessive joint strain.
He also prioritizes rest and recovery, aiming for 8½ to 9½ hours of sleep nightly and incorporating modern recovery tools like an infrared sauna with red light therapy, which he and his wife use regularly.
NFL Stars and Chefs Prioritize Clean, Balanced Meals for Peak Athletic Performance and Recovery
Allen isn’t the only NFL player taking diet and fitness seriously. Raheem Mostert of the Las Vegas Raiders, for example, practices moderation and avoids foods that trigger inflammation, like cheese. His approach is about sustainable, smart choices rather than strict restrictions. Similarly, other NFL players focus on meals that provide clean energy, balancing protein and carbohydrates for optimal performance.
NFL chefs and performance dietitians are also key players in athletes’ success. Erin Wishon, the Kansas City Chiefs’ executive chef, recommends lean steak with rice as a breakfast staple for its high protein and energy content.
Meanwhile, Roman Montijo, performance chef for the Philadelphia Eagles, highlights nutrient-dense options like bone broth and breakfast quinoa. Across the league, these strategic dietary choices reflect the evolving and highly personalized approach to nutrition among elite athletes.