Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills quarterback who delivered an MVP-worthy 2024 season, is making significant lifestyle changes to elevate his performance in the 2025 season. One major shift involves refining his diet by eliminating dairy products, particularly butter, to optimize his fitness and energy levels for the demanding <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL schedule. As training camp approaches, Allen is preparing meticulously to maintain his outstanding form.
At 29 years old, Allen posted impressive statistics last year, including 3,731 passing yards, a 28-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio, alongside 531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, playing a vital role in the Bills’ fifth consecutive AFC East title. His dietary adjustments reflect a dedication to sustaining and improving that high level of play.
Reasons Behind Allen’s Dietary Adjustments
Josh Allen initially embarked on his dietary changes to look his best for his wedding to actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld. However, the modifications also serve a practical purpose, enhancing his physical condition to endure the grueling regular season. By cutting out dairy and prioritizing clean, protein-rich foods, Allen aims to maintain a lean and strong physique.
I was making sure that I was staying fit and slim so I could fit in the clothes,
Allen shared in a recent GQ interview.
Working out, getting the right sleep, and a good diet—it’s been keeping me on a really good track.
—Josh Allen, Quarterback
Allen admits he hasn’t been counting calories rigorously and does not follow intermittent fasting, instead listening to his body’s hunger cues while focusing on high-quality proteins like steak, chicken, and especially fish. Sushi has become a favorite, providing variety in both his protein and carbohydrate intake.
Sometimes I don’t eat breakfast, and I don’t follow the intermittent fasting diet,
he explained.
I’ve really just dove into fish. Sushi is like my favorite food right now, so it’s helped me with diversifying my proteins and what carbs I’m taking in, but I’m not sitting here counting calories.
—Josh Allen, Quarterback
Allen, who struggled to gain weight during childhood, now plays at around 240 pounds, crediting his balanced and clean eating habits for helping him maintain this ideal playing weight.
Where I’m at now, just making sure that I’m eating clean and maintaining and doing everything that I can do to perform the best on the field,
he noted.
Enhancing Performance Through Improved Sleep Routines
In addition to adjusting his diet, Allen has placed a strong emphasis on improving his sleep quality to sustain peak athletic performance. He is an ambassador for Natrol, a sleep aid brand, and credits their melatonin supplements for helping him achieve restful sleep during frequent and challenging travel.
I travel a lot on planes and it’s hard to sleep on planes,
Allen said.
I actually took Natrol Sleep and Restore melatonin from Europe, and I slept nine hours straight on a plane, so immediately I was like, ‘This product is what I need in my life.’
—Josh Allen, Quarterback
He stresses that while training and diet are essential, without restorative sleep, all efforts could be undermined.
When you break it down: All the working out, all the dieting—that’s all great stuff, but if you’re not getting the right sleep and not waking up restored and energized, all that’s thrown to the curb.
—Josh Allen, Quarterback
Allen has implemented recommendations from sleep doctors to improve his sleeping environment, such as keeping his bedroom cool and quiet, and occasionally using green noise to relax his mind before bed.
I’ve taken some of the things that I’ve been told from a few sleep doctors: Making sure the room is cold, making sure it’s quiet,
he said.
Sometimes I throw on a little bit of green noise.
—Josh Allen, Quarterback
He typically aims for 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep each night, adjusting based on the intensity of his previous day’s activities. The melatonin supplement notably helps quiet his usually racing mind, allowing him to fall asleep earlier and wake up refreshed.
I have a hard time sleeping,
Allen admitted.
My mind’s racing constantly, and before I started using this product, I’d be lying down at 11, 11:30, 12:30, and by the time I’ve fallen asleep, I’m just not getting enough of the sleep I need. So it’s really helping me get to bed earlier, and then waking up rested and restored.
—Josh Allen, Quarterback
What This Means for Allen’s 2025 Season Outlook
With these lifestyle improvements, particularly his strict attention to diet and sleep, Josh Allen is setting a solid foundation to build on his success and push for an even stronger 2025 season. These changes reflect a mature, determined athlete who understands that peak performance hinges not only on talent but also on consistent self-care and recovery strategies. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this renewed approach impacts Allen’s performance as the Bills open training camp and prepare for another AFC East title bid.