From 'Sexiest Vegetarian' to Intermittent Fasting
For years, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin was synonymous with vegetarianism. His dietary choices were widely reported, especially during his marriage to Gwyneth Paltrow, known for her strict wellness regimens. However, since their 2014 separation, Martin's eating habits have taken a different turn, marking a clear departure from his previously meat-free stance.
The Shift in Chris Martin's Diet
In a 2014 interview with BBC Radio 2, Martin candidly revealed he was no longer a vegetarian, stating, "I eat meat". He attributed the change to a personal philosophy, explaining that he felt it was acceptable to eat something he would be able to kill himself, such as a fish, but not an animal like a giraffe. This decision surprised many fans who had long associated him with a plant-based lifestyle, a reputation cemented when he was named PETA's World's Sexiest Vegetarian in 2005. The lifestyle change reflected a personal choice made after the end of his marriage to Paltrow, though his daughter, Apple, has remained a vegetarian.
Embracing Restrictive Fasting
In recent years, Martin has adopted an even more rigorous approach to his diet, focusing on intermittent fasting rather than food type. In 2023, he shared on the Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend podcast that he no longer eats dinner, stopping his eating window at 4 PM. This was inspired by having lunch with fellow musician Bruce Springsteen, who follows a similar one-meal-a-day (OMAD) pattern and is known for his impressive physique at an older age. This extreme form of intermittent fasting is now a staple of Martin's wellness routine, contrasting sharply with the vegetarianism of his past. He has also mentioned practicing a weekly 6:1 fasting diet, where he consumes only water for a full day.
Comparison: Chris Martin's Dietary Phases
| Feature | Early 2000s (Vegetarian Phase) | Current (Post-2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Diet | Vegetarian | Omnivorous (includes fish) |
| Key Influence | Ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow, broader health consciousness | Fellow musician Bruce Springsteen |
| Meal Schedule | Regular meals throughout the day | Intermittent fasting (OMAD), one meal per day by 4 PM |
| Fasting Habits | None specified during this period | Follows OMAD and reportedly practices weekly water fasts |
| Public Stance | Openly and proudly vegetarian; named 'Sexiest Vegetarian' by PETA in 2005 | Discusses dietary changes in relation to wellness, fitness, and energy |
A Broader Approach to Wellness
Martin's dietary evolution is part of a wider focus on physical and mental wellness. He has spoken publicly about his struggles with depression and the various practices he uses to maintain his well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and freeform writing. His shift away from a strictly plant-based diet towards a disciplined, time-restricted eating pattern seems motivated by a desire to optimize his energy and health for his demanding performance schedule.
Here are some of the key wellness routines Martin has adopted:
- OMAD Eating Pattern: Consuming one meal a day to maintain his physique and energy levels.
- Regular Exercise: Including yoga and surfing to stay fit and energetic on tour.
- Transcendental Meditation: A practice he finds 'wonderful' for mental peace.
- Freeform Writing: The 12-minute journaling practice to clear his mind.
Conclusion
To answer the initial question: no, Chris Martin is not still vegan or vegetarian. His dietary journey has changed significantly over the years, from a well-known vegetarian phase to his current practice of one-meal-a-day intermittent fasting, which includes meat. His eating habits are now integrated into a comprehensive wellness routine designed to support his demanding lifestyle as a global rock star. While the strict vegetarianism of his past is over, his commitment to a conscious and deliberate approach to health continues.
For more details on his dietary changes after his split from Gwyneth Paltrow, you can read the report on Billboard: Chris Martin Reveals He's No Longer Vegetarian.
