Kelly Ripa's Diet: Mostly Plant-Based with Occasional Animal Protein
According to her longtime nutritionist Daryl Gioffre and Ripa herself, the talk show host primarily follows a plant-based, alkaline-based diet. However, she is not a strict vegetarian or vegan, making occasional exceptions for high-quality animal proteins. Her diet is focused on whole foods, with an emphasis on vegetables, healthy fats, and plant-based protein sources like tofu, nuts, and seeds.
The Role of Animal Protein in Her Diet
While meat is not a staple for Kelly Ripa, it is also not entirely off the table. Here is a breakdown of how it fits into her overall eating plan:
- Quality Over Quantity: When she does consume animal protein, such as wild-caught fish or chicken, it is typically of high quality and served in a smaller portion. For example, she has mentioned having a sliced chicken breast on a bed of sautéed spinach.
- A-la-carte Dining: On an episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, Ripa famously revealed a quirky habit at burger joints: she orders a burger but removes the meat patty, giving it to her husband, Mark Consuelos. This confirms she's there for "the stuff"—the cheese, condiments, and bun—rather than the beef.
- Short-term Dietary Experiments: Ripa has also experimented with short-term, higher-protein diets. After expressing difficulty fitting into an Oscar dress, she followed a temporary high-protein regimen inspired by her husband, which included steak, yogurt, and greens for a period of 72 hours.
- Social and Personal Indulgences: Like anyone, she allows for occasional indulgences. While her daily meals are meticulously planned, she isn't a "monster," and will have cake on her birthday or cookies at Christmas. This reflects a balanced, not overly restrictive, approach to her food choices.
Comparison Table: Kelly Ripa's Daily Meals vs. Typical Western Diet
| Meal | Kelly Ripa's Diet | Typical Western Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Often a post-show meal like an apple with almond butter and cinnamon, or a protein shake. | Cereal with milk, toast, eggs, or sometimes skipped altogether. |
| Lunch | A large salad with microgreens, avocado, and toasted nuts. High in plant-based nutrients. | Sandwiches with deli meat, processed foods, or fast food options. |
| Dinner | Steamed or sautéed vegetables with a plant-based protein like tofu or tahini, or a light piece of fish. | Large portions of meat, potatoes, and other higher-fat or processed items. |
| Snacks | Raw nuts like pistachios or cashews, energy balls, or yogurt with fruit. | Processed chips, candy, sugary drinks, or other high-fat, high-sugar options. |
| Meat Consumption | Occasional and high-quality, like wild-caught fish or chicken. | Frequent and often a central component of most meals. |
Ripa's Eating Habits Beyond Meat
Beyond her consumption of meat, Ripa follows other mindful eating practices that contribute to her healthy lifestyle:
- Intermittent Fasting: The star often adheres to an intermittent fasting schedule, eating within a specific window of time each day. This helps her feel energized and healthy without feeling deprived.
- Alkaline Diet Approach: While not strictly adhering to it, Ripa bases her diet on the principles of the alkaline diet, focusing on foods low in acid like vegetables, healthy fats, and low-sugar fruits.
- Hydration and Supplements: Her daily routine includes drinking water mixed with greens powder and having coffee with ghee. She also uses supplements to support her nutrition.
- Mindful Snacking: While she enjoys occasional treats like Goldfish crackers or pizza, her regular snacking consists of nutrient-dense options like raw nuts and seeds.
Conclusion
So, does Kelly Ripa ever eat meat? The answer is a qualified yes, but it is far from a frequent occurrence. Her diet is overwhelmingly plant-based, a foundation she has maintained for years under the guidance of her nutritionist. The occasional inclusion of high-quality animal protein, particularly fish or chicken, is part of a balanced and moderate approach rather than a cornerstone of her nutrition. For her, healthy eating is not about deprivation, but about nourishing her body effectively while still leaving room for minor, well-deserved indulgences.
Outbound link: For more details on the Alkaline Diet approach that Ripa follows, see Women's Health's article on Kelly Ripa's diet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelly Ripa's Diet
Does Kelly Ripa ever eat meat?
Yes, Kelly Ripa occasionally eats meat, specifically high-quality animal proteins like fish and chicken, though her diet is primarily plant-based.
Is Kelly Ripa a vegetarian?
No, she is not a strict vegetarian, although she follows a diet that is about 99% plant-based. She does sometimes consume animal protein.
Does Kelly Ripa eat fast-food burgers?
When she does go to a fast-food burger joint, she removes the meat patty and eats only the bun, cheese, and toppings. She often gives the meat to her husband, Mark Consuelos.
What kind of diet does Kelly Ripa primarily follow?
Her primary approach is an alkaline-based diet, which focuses on foods that are low in acid, such as fresh vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats.
Has Kelly Ripa ever eaten steak?
Yes, she has. On one occasion, she briefly followed a 72-hour high-protein diet that included steak to prepare for an event.
How does Kelly Ripa get protein if she eats so little meat?
She gets her protein from a variety of sources, including plant-based proteins like tofu, nuts, and protein shakes made with hemp and chia seeds.
What is Kelly Ripa's favorite cheat meal?
She has mentioned that she would love to have pizza and french fries every day but limits these indulgences to about once a week. She also enjoys Goldfish crackers.
