Clint Trayhern's Unconventional Diet and Training
Clint Trayhern, 54, follows a distinctive diet that includes consuming 30 raw eggs and garlic daily, complemented by eating a raw chilli to energize himself during workouts.
He adopts this approach as he aims to gain an advantage in a major global bodybuilding competition.
Clint secured first place in the over-50 category at the UK Ultimate Physiques competition and is preparing to compete in Natural Mr Universe, a prestigious event for athletes who abstain from performance-enhancing drugs.
Eggs are a staple in Clint's diet.
During bulking phases, he purchases over 200 eggs weekly but primarily consumes the egg whites, removing the yolks to reduce fat and cholesterol intake.
Protein is widely recognized by experts as essential for muscle growth and recovery; however, the appropriate amount remains debated.
Clint, from Pontypool, Torfaen, continually seeks "that natural edge" and credits a raw chilli as a secret stimulant that "puts a bit of fire in my blood" before lifting heavy weights.
"It takes your mind off what you got to do, and you just do it," he said.
"The more you chew it, the hotter it gets.
Some powerlifters use smelling salts – whereas I'll have a bite of a chilli instead."
Another key element in his regimen is liquid honey, which he drinks during training sessions instead of energy drinks.
"If it makes the bees busy, it'll make me busy."
Early Inspiration and Bodybuilding Journey
Clint's passion for bodybuilding began at age 12 after watching Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1982 film Conan the Barbarian. While his brother wished for a motorbike for Christmas, Clint requested a weight bench.
He described his initial years of training as challenging, remaining skinny despite consistent effort.
"I was probably training for the first four or five years and still stayed skinny,"he said.
"I'm what you call a hard gainer, but I always felt like something was happening.
Slowly but surely, [by his 20s] I started to get bigger and bigger."
Training and Nutrition Regimen
In preparation for competitions, Clint consumes up to 4,000 calories daily and attends the gym four times per week during bulking phases.
He gradually reduces his caloric intake to approximately 900 calories in the week preceding a competition to achieve a lean physique.
To optimize muscle development, he aims to consume one gram of protein per pound of body weight daily, currently about 220 grams.
Standing 6ft 2in (1.87m) and weighing 15 stone 10lbs (99.7kg), Clint targets a competition weight of 13 stone (82.5kg), despite the over-50s Natural Physique Association competitions being open regarding height and weight categories.
Achievements and Records
Among his notable accomplishments, Clint holds the Welsh over-40s deadlift record with the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association, lifting 235kg (37 stone).
Egg Consumption and Additional Dietary Elements
While there is ongoing debate about the health implications of egg consumption, Clint minimizes intake of yolks, which contain most of the fat and cholesterol.
During muscle-building phases, he consumes 10 egg whites with one yolk, three times daily, alongside raw garlic and lemon.
"Eggs are just so full of protein and vitamins and the right vitamins,"he explained.
"When you go natural it's just hard work, you know, there's no other way around it. You have to diet down.
I probably spend £60 or £70 a week on eggs, chicken and beef, just on protein."
Typical Daily Food Intake When Bulking
Clint's diet during bulking primarily consists of high-protein foods such as eggs, chicken, and beef, supporting his intense training schedule.
Understanding Natural Bodybuilding
Natural bodybuilding emphasizes muscle gain and aesthetic improvement without the use of performance-enhancing substances like anabolic steroids or human growth hormone.
Competitions in the UK and worldwide enforce rigorous drug testing to maintain fairness.
In 2025, Clint won the over-50s category at the UK Ultimate Physiques competition held in Milton Keynes.
"For me, drugs are to make people better, not to look good on the street,"Clint stated.
He is currently preparing for the Natural Physique Association's British Open in September.
A victory in his age group would qualify him for the United Natural Bodybuilding Association's Universe competition in California. Finishing second or third would grant access to the amateur UNBA Universe event.
Community Work and Mental Health Benefits
Clint supports young adults with learning disabilities through Torfaen council and finds that bodybuilding helps him manage the demands of this role.
"I think I have suffered from a bit of depression and anxiety in the past, and, it helps me a lot mentally, more than physically,"he shared.
"I can feel like I've conquered a mountain just from a gym session.
It's a calm sport as well, you know, no-one's getting hurt."
