Bear Grylls' Journey Away from Veganism
For many years, Bear Grylls was known to promote a plant-based diet, and even co-authored a vegan cookbook, Fuel for Life, in 2015. During that period, he espoused the benefits of a diet free of meat, dairy, and processed sugar, even stating in his book that unnatural animal breeding methods did not align with his health goals. However, the adventurer's stance began to shift dramatically over time, culminating in a public change of heart that has drawn both support and sharp criticism.
Grylls' decision to abandon veganism was reportedly triggered by a significant decline in his health, which he experienced a few years ago. After contracting COVID-19, he intensified his focus on what he believed was a healthy diet, incorporating more raw vegetable juices. Instead of feeling better, he claims his health 'tanked,' and he developed severe kidney pain, leading him to question his plant-based approach. This personal health crisis led him down a new path of dietary research and experimentation, influenced by proponents of the carnivore diet.
The Shift to a Meat-Heavy, Ancestral Diet
In recent interviews, Grylls has detailed his new dietary regime, which he refers to as an 'ancestral way of living'. His current meals are built around animal products and include plenty of red meat, eggs, butter, fruit, and honey. He has also embraced 'nose-to-tail' eating, consuming organ meats like liver for their perceived nutrient density. In a complete reversal from his vegan days, he now claims to avoid most vegetables, grains, and nuts, which he believes caused him health issues.
His day-to-day diet is a far cry from the salads and plant-based foods he once promoted. A typical meal might include a grass-fed burger without the bun, cheese, eggs, cooked in tallow, along with Greek yogurt, honey, and berries. He cites increased strength, improved skin, better gut health, and a lack of junk food cravings as positive results of this change. He has also partnered with and promoted ancestral supplements, further cementing his shift in philosophy.
Comparing Grylls' Vegan vs. Animal-Based Diet
To understand the magnitude of Grylls' dietary pivot, it's useful to compare his previous and current eating patterns.
| Aspect | Former Vegan/Plant-Based Diet | Current Animal-Based/Ancestral Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Core Protein Source | Plant-based protein, nuts, seeds | Grass-fed red meat, eggs, organ meat |
| Carbohydrates | Fruits, vegetables, whole grains | Fruits, honey, limited white rice/potatoes |
| Fats | Plant-based fats from nuts, seeds | Animal fats like butter, tallow |
| Dairy | Avoided completely | Greek yogurt, raw dairy, butter |
| Vegetables | Raw juices, salads, vegetables | Actively avoided, blamed for health issues |
| Processed Foods | Generally avoided; plant-based alternatives | Actively avoided; seed oils specifically |
The Health Controversy and Public Reaction
Grylls' dietary shift has been met with significant backlash from nutrition experts and the vegan community. Critics have pointed out that his claims regarding vegetable toxicity are largely unfounded and contradict the consensus of major health organizations, which recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Registered dietitians have also warned against the health impacts of meat-heavy diets, noting potential risks associated with high saturated fat and cholesterol.
Despite the controversy, Grylls has defended his approach with personal anecdotes, including an Instagram post where he shared results from a coronary CT scan showing 'zero inflammation'. He maintains that listening to his body and embracing a more ancestral way of eating was the right move for him, despite the scientific evidence favoring a more balanced or plant-based approach. The debate highlights the complex and often personal nature of nutrition, with differing perspectives on what constitutes an optimal diet for an individual.
What Bear Grylls Eats Now
For those curious about the specifics of his modern meals, here is a breakdown of what he incorporates:
- Grass-fed red meat: Often a staple, with steak being a common feature.
- Organ meats: Liver, blood, and bone marrow are consumed for their high nutrient content.
- Eggs: A daily part of his diet, fried in butter or tallow.
- Dairy: Greek yogurt, raw dairy, and salted butter are regular inclusions.
- Natural sweets: Fruit and honey are used for energy.
Grylls has emphasized his focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods that he perceives as more 'natural' and nutrient-dense, contrasting them with the processed foods, including some vegan products, that he now avoids.
Conclusion: The Personal Journey of a Survivor
The question of "Is Bear Grylls still vegan?" is decisively answered with a no. The famous adventurer has fully transitioned away from a plant-based diet to an animal-based, ancestral eating style, citing personal health improvements. While his journey from vegan advocate to carnivore proponent has sparked significant debate and medical critique, Grylls remains convinced that his current dietary choices are best for his own vitality and well-being. His experience serves as a powerful example of how individual health beliefs and anecdotal evidence can heavily influence dietary paths, regardless of conventional nutritional advice. Ultimately, Grylls' diet is a personal story that reflects his evolving understanding of what it means to fuel his body for survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bear Grylls stop being vegan?
Bear Grylls ceased his vegan diet after experiencing health issues, including painful kidneys, which he attributed to his plant-based lifestyle. He felt his health 'tanked' on the diet and has since transitioned to a meat-heavy, ancestral eating pattern.
What does Bear Grylls eat now?
Bear Grylls currently follows an animal-based diet, consuming red meat, eggs, dairy, and organ meats. He also includes fruit and honey but has largely eliminated vegetables, grains, and processed foods.
Is Bear Grylls embarrassed about his vegan past?
Yes, Bear Grylls has publicly stated that he feels 'embarrassed' about promoting veganism in the past, after his own negative health experiences with the diet.
What prompted Bear Grylls' diet change?
His diet change was prompted by a period of poor health following a bout with COVID-19, during which he believed increasing his vegetable intake worsened his condition. This led him to adopt a new, meat-focused approach based on ancestral eating principles.
Did Bear Grylls write a vegan cookbook?
Yes, Bear Grylls co-authored the book Fuel for Life in 2015, which featured dairy, wheat, and sugar-free recipes, and at the time promoted a plant-based ethos.
What is an ancestral diet?
An ancestral diet, as followed by Grylls, emphasizes consuming whole, unprocessed foods that ancient humans would have eaten. This typically includes meat, organs, eggs, and some fruits and honey, while avoiding grains, legumes, and most modern processed foods.
How have nutritionists reacted to Bear Grylls' diet change?
Many nutritionists have criticized Grylls' diet change, arguing that his anti-vegetable claims are scientifically unfounded and that a diet heavy in red meat and saturated fat can carry health risks.
Does Bear Grylls still promote a healthy lifestyle?
While no longer vegan, Bear Grylls continues to promote a healthy and active lifestyle through his fitness company and routines, though his nutritional philosophy has changed dramatically. He advocates for exercising regularly and embracing practices like cold-water immersion.
