Carrie Underwood's Dietary Evolution: From Farm to Flexible
Carrie Underwood's journey toward a plant-based diet began early in her life. Growing up on a cattle farm in Oklahoma, she became a vegetarian at age 13 after witnessing the realities of farm life. She maintained her vegetarianism for years before attempting to transition to a more strictly vegan lifestyle. However, this journey has been marked by a shift away from a rigid approach toward a more balanced and sustainable one, a change she has openly discussed in interviews.
Her diet is no longer defined by the strict rules of veganism, but rather by what she calls a "wannabe vegan" philosophy. She emphasizes eating whole, nutrient-dense foods and avoids processed options, but allows for occasional inclusions of animal products like eggs from her own backyard chickens, and sometimes cheese. This change, reported in publications like Women's Health and Yahoo, signals a more flexible mindset, particularly as she balances her demanding career and family life.
The Shift to a Balanced, Plant-Based Approach
Carrie Underwood’s current diet is a flexible plant-based one, a move away from the rigorous demands of full veganism. This dietary evolution was influenced by several factors, including the need for greater flexibility while traveling and the desire to prioritize balance over strict rules. As a performer and a mother, maintaining a healthy, sustainable diet is more important than adhering to a restrictive label. She has partnered with nutrition experts to adopt a balanced macronutrient approach, often described as the 45-30-25 diet (45% carbs, 30% fat, and 25% protein).
Crucially, her shift reflects a move toward mindful eating and away from past struggles with extreme calorie restriction. During her early career, she admitted to consuming as little as 800 calories a day, a habit she later recognized as unhealthy. Her current focus is on fueling her body for strength and energy rather than maintaining a certain size.
Recent Reports and Family Life
In recent years, observations and social media posts have solidified that Carrie Underwood is no longer a strict vegan. For example, she has shared photos of pressure-canned meat products on her Instagram stories, explaining that she was preparing it for her family, particularly for her husband, Mike Fisher, a known hunter. This has occasionally created confusion and backlash from some animal rights activists, but Underwood’s stance has been consistent: her household accommodates different dietary needs. This practical approach to family meals demonstrates a pragmatic mindset rather than a full abandonment of her plant-based roots.
It's important to distinguish between her own eating habits and her family's. While she maintains a primarily plant-based diet, she is not a rigid enforcer of veganism for her husband and sons. This balance extends to other areas of her life, where she continues to practice sustainable habits like growing her own food and raising backyard chickens.
A Comparison: Strict Veganism vs. Underwood's Flexible Plant-Based Diet
| Aspect | Strict Veganism | Carrie Underwood's Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Rules | No animal products whatsoever (meat, dairy, eggs, honey, etc.). | Primarily plant-based, but includes some animal products (especially eggs and dairy). |
| Flexibility | Highly rigid; no exceptions for animal products. | Flexible; allows for occasional indulgences and dietary adaptations while traveling or with family. |
| Animal Products | Absolutely prohibited. | Consumes eggs from her own chickens and sometimes cheese; prepares meat for her family. |
| Key Motivation | Ethical and environmental concerns, and health. | Health, balance, family accommodation, and acknowledging her body's needs. |
| Sustainability | Relies on avoiding all animal-derived ingredients and products. | Focused on mindful consumption, including homegrown food, which is a key part of her lifestyle. |
Life Beyond the Plate: Balance and Wellness
Carrie Underwood’s current approach to diet and health is part of a larger philosophy centered on balance and overall wellness. She works with a team of fitness and nutrition professionals to ensure her regimen is both healthy and sustainable for her demanding lifestyle. This holistic view extends beyond just food, encompassing her consistent workout routine and mindful approach to life. For Underwood, true wellness means feeling strong and having energy, not just conforming to a label or an aesthetic. This is an important lesson, illustrating that personal health journeys often evolve based on changing needs and priorities.
Conclusion
While at one point Carrie Underwood identified as nearly vegan or a "wannabe vegan," she is no longer following a strict vegan diet. Her current dietary philosophy is best described as a flexible, primarily plant-based approach. She has incorporated eggs and occasionally dairy for balance and nutritional needs, and she prepares meat for her family. This evolution is a conscious choice, reflecting a move toward a more sustainable and balanced lifestyle that prioritizes mindful eating and wellness over strict, restrictive rules. The singer’s example shows that health and diet can change over time and that a rigid label may not always serve a person’s needs, especially with a busy family and career.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Carrie Underwood completely vegan today? No, Carrie Underwood is not completely vegan. She describes her diet as primarily plant-based and has publicly stated that she includes some animal products, such as eggs from her backyard chickens and occasional dairy.
2. Why did Carrie Underwood stop being vegan? Underwood's shift away from a strict vegan diet was influenced by the need for more flexibility, particularly while traveling, and her desire to find a more sustainable balance for her health. During a pregnancy, she noted it was difficult to maintain the restrictive diet while on the road.
3. Does Carrie Underwood eat meat? Carrie Underwood does not eat meat herself, maintaining her long-time vegetarianism. However, she does prepare and cook meat for her husband, Mike Fisher, and her children.
4. What does Carrie Underwood call her diet now? Carrie Underwood has referred to her flexible, plant-based diet as being a "wannabe vegan". In 2024, she told Women's Health that she now focuses on a good balance, including some eggs, cheese, and honey, recognizing she needed those things in her life.
5. Does Carrie Underwood promote veganism? While Underwood has been a longtime advocate for animal welfare, her current public promotion is more focused on a balanced, healthy, and plant-forward lifestyle rather than strict veganism, respecting individual dietary needs.
6. What is Carrie Underwood's current daily diet like? Her daily diet is primarily plant-based, with typical meals including a tofu or egg-white scramble for breakfast, a nutrient-dense vegan sandwich for lunch, and roasted vegetables with vegan chicken or tofu for dinner. She also snacks on protein bars and smoothies.
7. How does her family's diet differ from hers? Underwood maintains her plant-based diet, but she accommodates her family's dietary preferences, which include meat. This was evidenced by social media posts where she canned meat for her husband.
8. What inspired her initial dietary shift toward plant-based eating? Growing up on a cattle farm, Carrie became a vegetarian at age 13. Her transition to a more vegan approach was inspired by a coworker's glowing appearance, and she also found it helped with dairy issues.
9. Does she still emphasize clean eating and avoiding processed foods? Yes, she continues to prioritize eating whole, unprocessed foods and avoids fast food, focusing on simplicity in her diet. She also grows her own vegetables whenever possible.
10. What does Carrie Underwood believe about diet and wellness? Underwood's philosophy centers on finding balance, listening to her body, and prioritizing long-term strength and energy over short-term aesthetic goals. She has moved away from extreme restrictions toward a more mindful and sustainable approach.
11. Did she stop being vegan specifically during pregnancy? Yes, reports indicate she became more vegetarian than vegan during pregnancy due to the challenges of maintaining a strict diet while traveling. She explained that she occasionally ate egg whites and cheese during this time.
