Cynthia Erivo's Long-Term Vegan Commitment
No, Cynthia Erivo does not eat meat. The British actress and singer has been a vegan for many years, a lifestyle she embraced after recognizing her body's negative reactions to animal products. While her initial reasons were rooted in personal health, she has since spoken about her decision in the broader context of holistic wellness and animal welfare. This commitment to a plant-based diet aligns with her disciplined approach to fitness and overall well-being, which has become a key part of her demanding professional life.
The Health-Driven Transition to Plant-Based Eating
Erivo's journey to veganism began in her late twenties, around 2013, when she noticed how certain foods made her feel. In an interview with Bon Appétit, she explained that her body struggled to process red meat, leading to sluggishness. As a singer, she also recognized that dairy was an allergen for her, and she avoided it to protect her vocal cords. After cutting these items out one by one, she realized that adopting a completely vegan diet was the "most correct way" to treat her body. The switch resulted in her body feeling "really happy" and functioning optimally.
Life as a Traveling Vegan
For an artist who is constantly on the move, maintaining a specific diet can be challenging. However, Erivo has developed effective strategies to stay on track. She told Bon Appétit that she finds it surprisingly easy to remain vegan while traveling. Her tactics include packing a variety of her own snacks and meals to ensure she always has healthy options available.
Here are some of Cynthia Erivo's go-to travel food items:
- Seaweed chips
- Edamame chips
- Tea
- Peanut butter
- Avocados
- Supplements (including B complex, spirulina, and flaxseed oil)
- Nuts
- Apples
She also makes a point of bringing her own meal in a thermos for flights and requests a kettle and a fridge in her hotel rooms to facilitate her healthy eating habits.
A Typical Day of Eating
Away from travel, Erivo focuses on clean, simple meals that genuinely fuel her body. She emphasizes making most of her food herself, so she knows exactly what she is consuming. Her daily routine includes starting the day with lemon water and a turmeric tonic, followed by a high-protein, plant-based breakfast. Lunch might consist of a peanut butter wrap with apples and raisins, or other nutritious, sustaining options. Tofu is a particular favorite, which she prepares with an herb rub to mimic a steak. While she is disciplined, she also allows for balance, confessing a love for potato chips, which she enjoys in moderation.
Cynthia Erivo's Diet: Pre-Vegan vs. Current Vegan
| Aspect | Pre-Vegan Diet | Current Vegan Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | Occasionally, especially red meat | Excludes all meat products |
| Dairy | Included, but caused issues | Excludes all dairy products |
| Primary Protein | Mix of animal and plant proteins | Primarily plant-based proteins like tofu, lentils, and beans |
| Snacks | Likely varied | Consists of nuts, fruit, and seaweed/edamame chips |
| Vocal Health | Impacted negatively by dairy | Improved and stabilized by dairy elimination |
| Energy Levels | Could feel sluggish at times | Reports feeling energized and happy |
| Overall Approach | Less structured, based on personal tolerance | Mindful and holistic, cooking most meals at home |
Conclusion: More Than Just a Diet
The question of whether Cynthia Erivo eats meat has a clear answer: no, she does not. Her adherence to a vegan diet since 2013 is not merely a trendy choice but a deliberate and sustained effort to prioritize her health and well-being. The transition was triggered by her body's specific needs, particularly intolerance to red meat and an allergy to dairy, which directly impacted her performance as a singer. This decision, however, has evolved to encompass a broader holistic approach to life, including ethical considerations for animals. Erivo's success demonstrates that a demanding career in the entertainment industry is not only compatible with but can be enhanced by a conscientious, plant-based lifestyle.
For more insight into her vegan approach to food, check out her interview with Bon Appétit where she discusses her healthy eating without denial.
