From Farm Girl to Vegetarian Superstar
Raised on a cattle farm in rural Oklahoma, Carrie Underwood's journey to becoming a vegetarian began at the age of 13. It was an experience on her family's farm, witnessing the banding of calves, that prompted her to stop eating meat. This was a deeply emotional moment for her, connecting the animals she helped raise with the food on her plate. This realization cemented her commitment to a meat-free lifestyle. This ethical foundation has remained a core part of her identity throughout her rise to fame.
The Transition to a Plant-Based Diet
Over the years, Underwood's diet has evolved beyond simple vegetarianism. More recently, she has shifted to a primarily plant-based diet, describing herself as a "wannabe vegan". Her diet now consists mainly of fruits, vegetables, grains, and plant-based protein sources like tofu and Tofurky. This change was reportedly inspired by a coworker's glowing health and her own desire to improve her well-being.
What Does Carrie's Plant-Based Diet Look Like?
Carrie Underwood's approach to eating is focused on simplicity and balance. She emphasizes consuming whole, unprocessed foods and is vigilant about reading nutrition labels. This is particularly important for her when traveling, which is why she often prepares her own food to stay on track. Her nutritionist has helped her develop a balanced approach, incorporating macronutrient targets to fuel her demanding performance schedule.
A Typical Day of Eating for Carrie Underwood
- Breakfast: A tofu or egg-white scramble, often with eggs from her own backyard chickens, served with Ezekiel toast and fresh berries.
- Lunch: A nutrient-dense vegan sandwich, packed with Tofurky, avocado, spinach, and mustard.
- Snacks: Protein bars or green smoothies are her go-to choices for a quick energy boost.
- Dinner: Often includes a tofu stir-fry or roasted vegetables with a vegan chicken substitute.
The 'Wannabe Vegan' Philosophy
While she has made great strides toward a vegan lifestyle, Underwood has publicly stated that she is not 100% vegan, as she sometimes includes animal products like eggs and cheese. She candidly acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a strict vegan diet, especially with a busy schedule, and has called herself a "wannabe vegan". This flexible mindset allows her to maintain her dietary principles without feeling overly restricted. For those interested in a more structured look at plant-based eating, the website VegNews offers extensive resources and recipes.
Vegetarian vs. Primarily Plant-Based: A Comparison
To better understand the evolution of Carrie Underwood's diet, it's helpful to differentiate between traditional vegetarianism and a primarily plant-based approach.
| Aspect | Vegetarian Diet | Carrie Underwood's Diet (Primarily Plant-Based) |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | Excludes all meat (poultry, beef, pork) and fish. | Avoids all meat and fish. |
| Dairy | May include dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. | Occasionally includes cheese, but primarily focuses on plant-based alternatives. |
| Eggs | May include eggs. | Occasionally includes eggs, particularly from her own chickens. |
| Focus | Eliminating meat is the primary goal. | Emphasis on whole, unprocessed plant foods. |
| Flexibility | Rules are typically rigid regarding meat. | Maintains flexibility, describing herself as a "wannabe vegan" to avoid feeling overly restricted. |
| Motivation | Often ethical, health, or environmental. | Primarily motivated by ethics and health benefits. |
The Influence of Her Diet on Her Career and Life
Underwood's commitment to her diet is more than just a personal choice; it's part of her overall brand of disciplined wellness. Her dedication to fitness, healthy eating, and a clean lifestyle is often highlighted in her interviews and public appearances. By promoting a balanced and conscious approach to eating, she serves as a role model for her fans, encouraging a shift toward healthier and more ethical food choices. This holistic perspective is a significant part of her public image, aligning with her long-standing support for animal welfare organizations.
Conclusion: No, Carrie Underwood Does Not Eat Meat
To definitively answer the question, Carrie Underwood does not eat meat. Since the age of 13, she has been a vegetarian, a decision rooted in ethical concerns from her childhood. While she has flirted with strict veganism, she currently follows a primarily plant-based diet, occasionally allowing for eggs and cheese. Her dietary choices are a reflection of her commitment to health, wellness, and animal rights, proving that a long and successful career can be fueled by plants, not meat.
FAQs
Is Carrie Underwood a vegetarian or a vegan?
Carrie Underwood is a vegetarian who follows a primarily plant-based diet. While she has described herself as a "wannabe vegan" and largely avoids animal products, she occasionally consumes eggs and cheese.
Why did Carrie Underwood become a vegetarian?
Carrie Underwood became a vegetarian at age 13 after witnessing the banding of calves on her family's farm, an experience that made her realize the connection between the animals and the meat industry.
Does Carrie Underwood eat fish or chicken?
No, as a vegetarian, Carrie Underwood does not eat fish, chicken, or any other type of meat.
What does Carrie Underwood eat on a daily basis?
For breakfast, she might have a tofu or egg-white scramble. Lunch is often a vegan sandwich, while dinner could be a tofu stir-fry or roasted vegetables with a vegan protein.
Is Carrie Underwood lactose intolerant?
In the past, Underwood has mentioned experiencing issues with dairy, which contributed to her moving toward a vegan diet for a time. However, she does occasionally consume cheese now.
Did Carrie Underwood ever can meat?
Yes, in 2023, Underwood posted on social media about pressure canning meat for her family, leading to confusion among fans. It was for her husband, Mike Fisher, and her children, not for her own consumption.
Does Carrie Underwood support animal rights organizations like PETA?
Yes, Carrie Underwood has been a longtime supporter of animal rights and has been named PETA's "Sexiest Vegetarian" twice. She also supports the Humane Society of the United States.
Where does Carrie Underwood get her protein from?
As a person on a primarily plant-based diet, Carrie Underwood gets her protein from sources like tofu, Tofurky, eggs from her own chickens, nuts, and protein bars.
