Miley Cyrus's Vegan Journey and Unexpected Reversal
Miley Cyrus began her vegan journey around 2013, driven by her love for animals and this became a prominent aspect of her public image. She frequently discussed her plant-based lifestyle and expressed her values through tattoos. She was a celebrated vegan advocate. However, in 2020, during 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast, a major shift was revealed. Cyrus explained that after years on a strict plant-based diet, she began facing health issues, such as 'brain fog' and joint pain. This led her to reintroduce fish and omega-3 fatty acids into her diet in 2019.
The Health Issues that Prompted Her Change
Cyrus described feeling "pretty malnourished" and "running on empty" during her vegan period, recalling an exhausting performance at the Glastonbury festival. She claimed that reintroducing fish, prepared by her ex-husband, made her feel "so much sharper". She cited omega-3 fatty acids as a crucial nutrient for brain function, which she felt was lacking despite using supplements. The health concerns she faced touched on the nutritional completeness of vegan diets, especially when not meticulously planned.
Comparing Miley Cyrus's Diet Shifts
| Feature | Vegan Diet (2013-2019) | Pescatarian Diet (2019-Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Focus | Exclusively plant-based: no meat, dairy, eggs, or fish. | Plant-based with the addition of fish and seafood. |
| Stated Motivation | Ethical concern for animal welfare, spurred by the death of her dog, Floyd. | Addressing personal health issues, including brain fog and joint pain. |
| Nutrient Intake | Omega-3s primarily from plant sources like seeds, nuts, and supplements. | Includes omega-3s from fish, in addition to plant sources. |
| Public Reception | Widely praised by animal rights activists and the vegan community. | Met with backlash and disappointment from many within the vegan community. |
| Animal Activism | Continues animal welfare work, emphasizing she still loves animals deeply. | Remains committed to animal welfare, distinguishing her diet from her ethics. |
The Vegan Community's Reaction
Cyrus was aware of the potential backlash from her announcement. She mentioned it on the podcast. The reaction from the vegan community was often critical, with many arguing that a well-planned vegan diet, with proper supplementation, could provide all necessary nutrients. Critics noted that her wealth allowed her to consult a vegan nutritionist instead of abandoning the diet. This highlighted the perceived contrast between her professed commitment to animal ethics and her dietary choice.
Navigating a Pescatarian Life
Following her shift, Cyrus identifies as pescatarian. She embraces a more flexible approach while continuing to advocate for animal welfare. She has publicly discussed her ongoing commitment to animals, referencing her rescued pets. This change reflects a personalized approach to health, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's own body. Her decision underscores that dietary choices are personal and influenced by health, ethics, and lifestyle factors. While her dietary shift was public, her continued advocacy for animal rights suggests a nuanced personal philosophy.
What are some common reasons cited by celebrities for leaving a vegan diet?
- Health Concerns: Celebrities, including Cyrus and Anne Hathaway, cited personal health issues like 'brain fog', fatigue, or nutrient deficiencies as reasons for reintroducing animal products.
- Listening to Their Body: Some, like Liam Hemsworth, re-evaluated their diet after health concerns, such as a kidney stone, and recognized their body needed a different approach.
- Lack of Proper Nutrition Planning: Critics argue that insufficient planning, not the diet itself, is often the cause of health problems for ex-vegans.
- Social Pressure or Convenience: Some celebrities, such as Waka Flocka Flame, have discussed feeling public pressure or finding the lifestyle inconvenient, though this is less common for health-related reasons.
Conclusion
Miley Cyrus did quit being vegan. She announced the change in 2020 after six years on a plant-based diet due to health issues. Her transition to a pescatarian diet was based on her experience with 'brain fog' and joint pain. While criticized by some in the vegan community, it highlighted the personal complexities of diet and nutritional needs, even for high-profile figures. Her case shows that dietary choices are not always simple, and personal health is often a deciding factor, even amidst ethical convictions.
Veganism and Cognitive Decline
This article discusses celebrity claims regarding veganism and cognitive decline, using Cyrus's experience as a case study.
