Adriene Mishler's Evolving Dietary Philosophy
The question of "Is Adriene Mishler vegan?" is a common query among her millions of followers on the Yoga with Adriene channel. However, the answer is more nuanced than a simple 'yes' or 'no.' Over several years, Mishler has spoken about her relationship with food, revealing a thoughtful and evolving approach that prioritizes mindful eating over strict labels. Rather than conforming to one definition, her diet reflects her personal journey and her core yogic principles.
The Shift from Vegetarian to Mostly Plant-Based
For most of her adult life, Adriene Mishler has been a vegetarian, stating in a 2018 Guardian interview, "I haven't eaten meat since I was a child". This long-standing commitment to a meat-free diet is a consistent theme. However, she has never been dogmatic about her eating habits. She explained her reluctance to use the label 'vegetarian' in the early days, preferring to "play against the labels a little bit".
More recently, Mishler has moved even closer to a plant-based lifestyle, as she detailed in a 2019 interview with Balance magazine, where she stated, "I eat 99% vegan these days". She further explained her preference for "whole unprocessed foods and plant-based recipes" and her habit of laying off dairy. This marks a progression from her previous vegetarianism toward a more conscious and planet-friendly approach.
The Exceptions to Her Mostly Plant-Based Diet
While her diet is largely plant-based, Mishler is not a strict vegan. In a 2021 interview with Women's Health, she clarified that she incorporates some animal products on occasion. Notably, she mentioned having eggs, saying, "I've had phases where I've been vegan – except for eggs. I couldn't be without them".
She also expressed a flexible stance on seafood, mentioning, "I'm basically vegetarian but if I'm visiting somewhere by the coast I might order some fish". It is important to note that even this occasional inclusion of fish came with introspection, as she noted she was learning about the fishing industry's impact on the ocean and questioning whether to fully cut it out. This reveals that her choices are driven by personal reflection and ethical considerations, not just preference.
Connecting Diet to the "Find What Feels Good" Mantra
Adriene's dietary approach is a tangible extension of her famous "Find What Feels Good" mantra. This philosophy encourages listening to one's body and intuition, both on and off the mat. It promotes self-love and gratitude rather than judgment or guilt. When applied to food, this means her choices are not defined by rigid rules but by a personal, conscious relationship with what she consumes. Her willingness to occasionally stray from a purely vegan diet illustrates that her priority is personal wellness and mindfulness, which she believes is more valuable than adhering strictly to a single, limiting label.
Comparison of Dietary Approaches
To better understand the nuances of Adriene's flexible diet, here is a comparison of various dietary classifications and how her habits fit in.
| Dietary Label | What it Includes | What it Excludes | How Adriene's Diet Relates | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan | All plant-based foods. | All animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. | Close to this, describing herself as "99% vegan" at one point, but has exceptions. | 
| Vegetarian | All plant-based foods, dairy, and eggs. | Meat, poultry, and fish. | Her long-term baseline diet, but she sometimes includes fish. | 
| Ovo-Vegetarian | All plant-based foods and eggs. | Meat, poultry, and dairy. | Matches her diet during certain phases, as she mentioned she "couldn't be without" eggs. | 
| Pescatarian | All plant-based foods, fish, and seafood. | Meat and poultry. | Occasional fish consumption aligns with this, but it is not her regular practice. | 
| Flexible / Intuitive | Depends on personal philosophy and wellness goals. | Driven by personal balance, not strict rules. | This best describes Adriene Mishler's overarching approach, guided by her 'Find What Feels Good' motto. | 
Conclusion: A Conscious and Mindful Eater
In conclusion, while the simple answer to "Is Adriene Mishler vegan?" is no, it does not fully capture her mindful and conscious relationship with food. For over a decade, she has primarily followed a vegetarian diet, which evolved to be very close to veganism, and she has expressed personal, ethical dilemmas regarding the inclusion of even occasional animal products like fish. She resists labeling her diet, which aligns with her broader message of personal intuition and self-care over rigid rules. Her choices reflect an ongoing practice of listening to her body, learning about the world's impact, and finding what truly feels good for her wellness journey.
Further insights into Adriene's broader career and philosophy are available on her platform Yoga with Adriene.