ALLEN PARK -- Devin Taylor is noticeably bigger after packing on some extra muscle during his first full offseason in the Detroit Lions' strength program.

But he hasn't put on much weight.

Simple arithmetic would suggest the 6-foot-7, 267-pound defensive end has lost body fat, and probably a lot of it. Taylor says that's absolutely true.

And like many of his teammates, Taylor credits the revamped nutrition program at team headquarters for helping get his physique in order.

"Just coming in, working out, a little bit of running. A little extra cardio on the side. But really eating healthier helps, especially with the new nutrition program and chefs we have," Taylor told MLive recently. "They've made more healthier foods. Even though there were a bunch of healthy options with the other cooks, they decided to switch them out. It's working for me."

Nutrition has become increasingly important in the NFL over the past decade. The Lions certainly didn't neglect that trend, but players say the new program is significantly improved over the one used by Jim Schwartz.

First-year Lions coach Jim Caldwell prioritized overhauling the menu after his hire in January, and hired a new kitchen staff to deliver it.

The biggest changes are more healthy options and less fried food, according to players.

"They got a whole new kitchen staff. We liked the old guys -- I didn't have nothing against them -- but obviously people in the building wanted changes and they made it happen," said offensive lineman Rodney Austin, who said he's shed a lot of fat this offseason.

"(There are) a lot more healthy options now. They had a lot of fried chicken in there last year -- every week. They're making championship-type steps. I feel like anything a guy with two rings does has to be considered."

Some of the biggest hits of the new cafeteria are a smoothie bar and an omelet station.

"I have an omelet every day," quarterback Kellen Moore said. "It's impressive."

Added cornerback Rashean Mathis: "I'm an egg guy. Last year we didn't have (the omelet station). I didn't complain, but I was dying inside."

The overhauled menu should help players on more restrictive diets -- such as Nick Fairley, who reportedly has lost 30 pounds this offseason -- avoid temptation in the building.

It's too early to say just what kind of long-term effect, if any, the new program will have on players. But safety Glover Quin is encouraged by what he's seen -- and eaten -- during the first three months of the offseason program.

"I think as the season goes along -- less injuries, guys being in better shape, guys weighing better weights -- I think we'll be able to tell more about how much this helps," Quin said.

"But I think the new food is great. I think it's very clean for us, very fresh. I'm not here to shine a bad light on whoever was doing it last year, but the food is great."