Kevin Smith's Intensive Two-Week Dietary Reset
In February 2018, filmmaker Kevin Smith suffered a massive and nearly fatal heart attack, an event he called the "widow-maker". This life-threatening health scare served as a pivotal turning point, prompting him to make a dramatic change to his lifestyle. Under the guidance of his doctor and inspired by Penn Jillette's weight loss book, Presto!, Smith adopted a highly restrictive all-potato diet. The purpose was not to stay on this diet long-term, but to use it as a reset for his system and to achieve rapid initial weight loss. Reports indicate this all-potato phase lasted for about two weeks, during which he lost a significant amount of weight—approximately 17 pounds in the first nine days and 20 pounds in 13 days.
The Aftermath of the Heart Attack
Smith's heart attack was a shocking wake-up call that forced him to confront his long-term unhealthy habits. He was performing a stand-up comedy show when he fell ill and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors discovered a 100% blockage in his left anterior descending artery. Post-surgery, his doctor's orders were clear: lose 50 pounds. The potato diet, while not a sustainable long-term solution, was the intense first step Smith took to meet this requirement and make an immediate impact on his health.
Transition to a Long-Term Vegan Lifestyle
Following the two-week potato-only phase, Smith did not revert to his old habits. Instead, the restrictive period acted as a springboard for a more sustainable, and ultimately more nourishing, dietary change. He transitioned to a full plant-based vegan diet, a move heavily influenced and encouraged by his daughter, Harley Quinn Smith, who had been vegan for years. His daughter's example and support played a critical role in his success. For Smith, this was not a philosophical decision but a necessary one for his survival.
This shift to veganism meant cutting out all animal products, a departure from his previous diet which included frequent fast food. He has since discovered and embraced a wide variety of vegan foods and snacks, which have replaced his former junk food indulgences.
Comparing the Short-Term Potato Diet to a Long-Term Veganism
| Feature | Kevin Smith's Potato Diet Phase | Kevin Smith's Long-Term Vegan Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Approximately 2 weeks | Ongoing since March 2018 |
| Purpose | An intensive, short-term reset to achieve rapid initial weight loss post-heart attack | A sustainable, heart-healthy lifestyle change for long-term health maintenance |
| Restrictiveness | Extremely restrictive; only potatoes | Less restrictive; includes all plant-based foods |
| Nutritional Profile | Lacking in essential fatty acids and many micronutrients; not nutritionally complete | Provides a more balanced nutritional intake, including a wide array of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein from various plant sources |
| Weight Loss | Rapid initial weight loss (e.g., 17 lbs in 9 days) | Gradual, sustainable weight loss leading to over 50 pounds lost |
| Motivation | Doctor's orders and fear of another heart attack | Health preservation and daughter's influence |
Beyond the Diet: A Complete Lifestyle Overhaul
While the diet was a crucial component, Smith's weight loss and improved health were the result of a multifaceted approach. His vegan diet was complemented by other significant changes:
- Intermittent Fasting: Smith adopted a daily routine of fasting until noon. He would break his fast later in the day, consuming his vegan meals during a specific eating window.
- Increased Physical Activity: A critical element of his transformation was incorporating exercise. A huge factor was his dog, Shecky, who helped motivate him to take daily, long walks. Smith famously conquered Runyon Canyon, a strenuous hiking spot near his home, an activity he couldn't have managed at his previous weight. This low-impact cardio proved to be a highly effective and sustainable form of exercise.
- Strong Support System: Having his daughter, Harley, and a wider network of family and friends provided a solid foundation of encouragement. Social support is a proven factor in the success of any major lifestyle change.
Conclusion
Kevin Smith's journey from a life-altering heart attack to achieving significant and sustainable weight loss offers a powerful lesson. He did not do the potato diet for very long—only about two weeks—but it served its intended purpose as a shock to the system. The true and lasting change came from his pivot to a vegan diet, influenced by his daughter, and his commitment to a comprehensive lifestyle overhaul. His transformation demonstrates that dramatic and inspiring health improvements are possible with determination, and that a short-term, drastic measure can lead to a long-term, sustainable new way of life. His story proves that a heart attack, while terrifying, can be the catalyst for a healthier, more vibrant existence. He has openly shared his story to help and inspire others on their own health journeys. You can learn more about the Penn Jillette method that influenced him from the book Presto!: How I Made Over 100 Pounds Disappear.
