Early Fitness Regimen: The Pescetarian and Egg-Heavy Phase
For a significant portion of his career, John Abraham's diet was famously centered around building a muscular physique, particularly for action roles. During this time, his eating habits did not strictly align with vegetarianism. As stated on his official website (in an older article) and corroborated by other sources, he identified as a pescetarian, consuming fish and eggs alongside his vegetarian fare. A document from 2013 detailing his fitness plan even mentions that his protein sources included fish, chicken, and egg whites. He was known for consuming a very high number of egg whites, sometimes reported as many as 51 per day, to fuel intense workouts during his bodybuilding peak. This period highlights that his diet was primarily driven by fitness and muscle-building goals, not a strict plant-based code.
The Conscious Shift: A Predominantly Vegetarian and Almost-Vegan Diet
In recent years, John Abraham has publicly discussed a major shift in his diet, moving away from pescetarianism and a high-volume egg intake. In a 2022 YouTube video, he clarifies his current eating habits, explaining that he tries to stay "vegetarian or practically vegan as much as possible". He confirms he no longer consumes meat, fish, or dairy products like milk and butter, and his high egg consumption has been drastically reduced to only an occasional intake. This transition reflects a move towards a more ethical and health-conscious lifestyle, aligning with his strong public stance on animal rights. He fuels his body with plant-based protein shakes, soy, and sprouts, proving that a powerful physique can be maintained without heavy reliance on animal products.
Comparison of John Abraham's Diet Evolution
To better understand the changes in his eating habits, here is a comparison of John Abraham's diet at different stages of his career.
| Feature | Early Diet (Pescetarian/Bodybuilding) | Current Diet (Mostly Vegetarian/Almost Vegan) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Sources | Fish, chicken, high volume of egg whites, whey protein, soy | Primarily plant-based sources like soy, sprouts, vegan protein shakes; occasional eggs |
| Dairy Consumption | Included milk and butter | Actively avoids milk and butter |
| Driving Philosophy | Fueling intense workouts for mass and physique building | Ethical animal welfare, personal health, fitness maintenance |
| Dietary Label | Pescetarian | Mostly Vegetarian, Almost-Vegan |
| Carbohydrates | Balanced intake, often focusing on consuming carbs early in the day | Balanced intake, including whole grains and vegetables |
A Deep Commitment to Animal Welfare
John Abraham's dietary shift is inseparable from his role as a staunch animal rights advocate. His long-standing passion for animal welfare was officially recognized when he was named the first honorary director of PETA India in March 2025. His work with the organization goes back years and includes campaigning for stricter laws against animal cruelty, writing letters to government ministers, and raising awareness about the plight of animals in circuses and testing facilities. He has publicly stated that animals are a top priority for him and that he would find it difficult to shoot with animals in films, even leaving projects to avoid seeing animals harmed. This ethical core strongly influences his decision to consume fewer and fewer animal products over time.
The Nuance of 'Almost Vegan'
When discussing his diet, John Abraham has acknowledged a certain level of hypocrisy, noting that he does not aggressively promote his lifestyle to avoid criticism. He admits to sometimes consuming a small number of eggs, which technically prevents him from being a strict vegan, but he has completely eliminated meat, fish, milk, and butter. This makes his dietary approach predominantly plant-based and almost entirely vegan, driven by a deep ethical commitment rather than just a simple food preference. His candidness shows that his journey is one of continuous ethical consideration and personal evolution. He has spoken out against animal cruelty while also respecting that others have their own personal dietary choices.
Conclusion: A Conscious, Evolving Choice
In conclusion, the question, "Is John Abraham really vegetarian?" has an evolving and complex answer. He was not always vegetarian, particularly during his early career when he followed a pescetarian diet to meet intense bodybuilding demands. However, his diet has undergone a significant transformation, driven by his long-standing and deepening commitment to animal welfare and personal health. He now adheres to a predominantly plant-based, almost-vegan diet, abstaining from meat, fish, and dairy, with only occasional egg consumption. His journey demonstrates a conscious and reflective approach to his lifestyle, where his food choices are increasingly aligned with his ethical convictions as a powerful voice for animal rights.
References
- *** PETA India. (2025, March 24). John Abraham Named First Honorary Director of PETA India at 25th Anniversary Celebration*. Retrieved from https://www.petaindia.com/blog/john-abraham-named-first-honorary-director-of-peta-india-at-25th-anniversary-celebration/
- *** Abraham, J. (2022, March 25). John Abraham : My Vegetarian Diet*. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vAZrU9aOck
- *** Abraham, J. (n.d.). Fitness Tips*. Retrieved from http://www.johnabraham.com/fitnesstips.php
- *** The Times of India. (2012, March 23). John, a fish-eating vegetarian!*. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/john-a-fish-eating-vegetarian/articleshow/10399350.cms
- *** The Live Mirror. (2025, March 23). John Abraham Not A VEGAN? Ask Netizens | Working With PETA*. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/TheLiveMirrorNews/posts/john-abraham-not-a-vegan-ask-netizens-working-with-petajohn-abraham-is-known-for/1270963164389352/
- *** Dailymotion. (2025, March 23). John Abraham Spotted at an Event Speaking Out on Strick Law Against Animal Cruelty*. Retrieved from https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9gmg8u
