The Beginning of Miley Cyrus's Veganism
Miley Cyrus's decision to embrace veganism was heavily influenced by her deep-seated love for animals and her experiences with them. In a 2015 interview with Paper magazine, she revealed that she decided to become vegan in 2013, prompted by a personal tragedy involving her beloved dog, Floyd. This deeply personal connection to animal welfare transformed into a public advocacy for the lifestyle. She used her massive social media platform, particularly Instagram, to share her plant-based meals and promote compassion for animals.
Her dedication was clear and often discussed in the media. She received the Celebrity Advocate Award at the Animal Rights National Conference for her activism, underscoring her role as a prominent figure in the animal rights movement. During this time, she was celebrated by many in the vegan community for using her platform to raise awareness about the ethical treatment of animals and the benefits of a plant-based diet.
A Strict Vegan Commitment for Six Years
For a full six years, Miley Cyrus maintained a strictly vegan diet. As she explained on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast in September 2020, her dietary choices during this time were of the "strictest" variety. This wasn't a casual phase; it was a deeply ingrained lifestyle that aligned with her vocal animal rights advocacy. Her then-husband, Liam Hemsworth, was also vegan, which reinforced the plant-based lifestyle in her personal life and their public appearances. The couple's wedding in December 2018 even featured an entirely plant-based menu.
Throughout this period, Cyrus spoke positively about her vegan diet, highlighting the benefits she felt, both physically and mentally. Her journey from a high-profile pop star to a dedicated vegan advocate was documented extensively, with articles and interviews detailing her commitment to the cause. Her public promotion of veganism made her a significant figure in the movement, inspiring many of her fans to consider the lifestyle.
The Reasons for Reconsidering Veganism
In 2019, Miley Cyrus began to reintroduce animal products into her diet, starting with fish. The catalyst for this change was a series of health issues she experienced, including severe hip pain and what she described as "brain fog". In her candid conversation on the Joe Rogan podcast, she explained that her health had deteriorated to a point where she felt she was "running on empty". Her decision was not taken lightly, as she revealed to Rogan that she cried for a long time after her ex-husband grilled her some fish, demonstrating her ongoing conflict with consuming animals.
Her explanation centered on the need for essential fatty acids (omega-3s) which she claimed were lacking in her diet. While she acknowledged that a properly planned vegan diet can be nutritionally adequate, she felt that for her own health needs, reintroducing fish was the necessary step. This shift led her to adopt a pescetarian diet, which includes fish but excludes other types of meat.
The Vegan Community's Reaction and Scientific Counterpoints
Miley's announcement sparked a considerable amount of debate and backlash within the vegan community. Critics pointed out that her statement, especially given her influential platform, was misleading and could deter others from exploring veganism. Many argued that a properly balanced plant-based diet can provide all necessary nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, from sources like algae, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Comparing Vegan and Pescetarian Diets
| Feature | Vegan Diet | Pescetarian Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Products | Excludes all animal products (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey) | Excludes all meat and poultry but includes fish and other seafood |
| Omega-3 Sources | Plant-based sources like algae oil, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts | Fish, including species like salmon and mackerel, plus plant-based sources |
| Protein Sources | Legumes, tofu, nuts, seeds, and grains | Fish and other plant-based protein sources |
| Environmental Impact | Generally considered to have a lower environmental impact due to reduced animal agriculture | Still has an environmental impact related to overfishing and aquaculture practices |
| Ethical Considerations | Strong emphasis on animal rights and welfare | More aligned with animal welfare than an omnivorous diet, but still involves the consumption of animals |
| Celebrity Supporters | Many public figures, including Billie Eilish and Natalie Portman | A growing number of celebrities, including some who transitioned from veganism |
Miley's Continued Animal Advocacy
Despite no longer being strictly vegan, Miley Cyrus has reiterated her unwavering commitment to animal welfare. She has stated that she still loves and cares for animals deeply and continues to do a lot for them in other aspects of her life. In her conversation with Joe Rogan, she mentioned having many animals on her farms, stating, "I have 22 animals on my farm in Nashville, I've got 22 in my house in Calabasas, I'm doing all I need to do for the animals". This separation of her personal diet from her broader animal rights philosophy shows a nuanced approach to her values. Her decision highlights that diet is not the only way to support animal welfare and that personal health must also be a primary consideration.
The Importance of Balanced Nutrition
Cyrus's experience underscores the importance of a properly balanced diet, regardless of whether it's vegan or omnivorous. While a well-planned vegan diet can provide all essential nutrients, it requires careful attention to ensure adequate intake of certain vitamins and minerals, such as B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. For individuals with specific health needs or limitations, this can present challenges. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian when making significant dietary changes. For resources on vegan nutrition, individuals can visit authoritative sites like The Vegan Society.
Conclusion
Miley Cyrus's journey from strict veganism to pescetarianism is a story of personal change driven by health considerations. Lasting approximately six years, her vegan diet was a significant period in her life, heavily influenced by her animal rights activism. However, after experiencing health issues like brain fog and joint pain, she decided to reintroduce fish for essential omega-3s. While her decision sparked controversy within the vegan community, it shed light on the challenges and nutritional considerations of the diet. Her continued advocacy for animal welfare outside of her dietary choices demonstrates a more complex relationship with the movement than many initially perceived, reminding us that personal health and well-being are paramount in any lifestyle decision.
