In 2023, researchers at the Australian National University surveyed nearly 5,000 people to examine how perceptions of gender roles influence meat consumption. Their findings? Men who identify as more traditionally masculine are less likely to consider reducing their meat intake.
The idea that animal products are inherent to masculinity is especially prominent in the anti-feminist movement dubbed “the manosphere.” But in reality, some of the world’s most physically imposing men challenge the narrative that animal products are “manly”—among them is Dave Bautista.
In a recent Complex interview, the actor and former wrestler told Jason Momoa, his co-star in the new film The Wrecking Crew, that he hasn’t eaten dairy in more than 20 years. In a separate interview with Men’s Health, the former bodybuilder and WWE star said that while he eats fish and eggs, he follows a predominantly plant-based diet and hasn’t eaten red meat or pork since 2010.
Prime Video
Bautista cut out dairy after finding it worsened his asthma symptoms and has said he eventually plans to go fully vegan. He later gave up red meat after training with wrestlers who followed pescatarian and vegetarian diets. Now an actor, Bautista’s go-to snack on set is a vegan grilled cheese.
It’s not that Bautista doesn’t enjoy animal products. He told Momoa he still craves a New York-style pizza with a “super doughy, gluten-filled crust” and “extra cheese.” In his Men’s Health interview, he admitted he misses chicken adobo and still cooks it for others, even though he no longer eats it himself.
But he doesn’t miss these animal-based foods enough to start eating them again. Instead, he finds alternatives. To satisfy his love of Filipino food, he’s been spotted at Señor Sisig, which offers vegan versions of its street food staples.
Senor Sisig
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Some of the world’s strongest men are cutting back on meat
Bautista isn’t alone in embracing plant-forward eating. Former Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger is also a vocal advocate. He appeared in the 2019 documentary The Game Changers, which sought to debunk the myth that animal products are essential for peak athletic performance.
“I’ve lived in that world. Steak is for men. They show these commercials—burgers, George Foreman with the grill, and [an] epic sandwich,” he says in the documentary. “This is great, great marketing for the meat industry, selling the idea that real men eat meat. But you’ve got to understand, it’s marketing. It’s not based on reality.”
‘The Game Changers’
Another prominent voice is world-record-holding strongman Patrik Baboumian.
“Don’t listen to those self-proclaimed nutrition gurus and the supplement industry trying to tell you that you need meat, eggs, and dairy to get enough protein,” he said after setting a world record for the yoke walk in 2013. “There are plenty of plant-based protein sources, and your body is going to thank you for [not] feeding it with dead food. Go vegan and feel the power!”
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
