Lizzo's Journey from Vegetarian to Vegan
Lizzo's history with plant-based eating stretches back long before her rise to superstardom. In a 2017 interview, she revealed that she had followed a vegetarian diet for seven years during her time in Minneapolis. This initial phase with a meat-free diet laid the groundwork for her eventual shift to a fully plant-based lifestyle. In June 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lizzo officially announced she had gone vegan and began documenting her culinary journey on social media, especially TikTok.
During her vegan period, Lizzo showcased a vibrant array of plant-based meals and recipes to her millions of followers. Her cooking videos often went viral, featuring creative vegan alternatives for classic comfort foods. Some of her popular creations during this time included:
- Cheesy Takis: A homemade vegan cheese sauce using Japanese yams and tofu poured over Takis.
- Vegan “Cheesy Eggs”: A scramble made with Just Egg and vegan cheese, a perfect solution for her hangover cravings.
- Hearty Vegan Meals: Mushroom balls, chickpea pasta, and vegetable-based proteins were staples in her day-to-day diet.
- Green Smoothies: A consistent part of her diet, packed with kale or spinach, fruit, and plant-based milk.
Lizzo emphasized that her veganism was not for weight loss but because she felt better eating plants, promoting a broader message of self-love and health.
The Pivotal Shift from Vegan to Omnivore
In October 2024, Lizzo surprised many by announcing a significant dietary shift away from veganism. In a TikTok video, she explained that after experiencing low energy and stomach issues, a trip to Japan became a turning point. While there, she indulged in fresh sushi and eggs and felt a remarkable improvement in her energy levels and mental clarity. Back in the United States, she worked with her trainer and conducted personal research, leading her to slowly reintroduce animal protein into her diet.
Her reasons for the change were focused squarely on her personal health and how different foods affected her body. She noted that while vegan, she sometimes relied on processed foods and substitutes to feel full, which could sometimes lack the full nutritional spectrum she needed. Lizzo emphasized that her journey is about finding what works best for her and listening to her body, not adhering to a label.
Lizzo's Current Eating Habits
In subsequent interviews in 2025, Lizzo has shared more details about her updated meal plan. She now follows a high-protein diet that includes animal products. Her typical meals, as reported in publications like Women's Health and People, include:
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, chicken sausage, and a cauliflower hash brown.
- Lunch: A shredded Thai chicken salad or lettuce wraps with tuna or sliced chicken breast.
- Dinner: Turkey meatloaf with cauliflower mashed potatoes and green beans.
She also eats dinner earlier in the day to help manage gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This mindful approach highlights her dedication to balancing her body's specific needs with her eating habits.
Comparison of Lizzo's Diets: Vegan vs. High-Protein
To better understand her dietary evolution, here's a side-by-side comparison of Lizzo's vegan and current high-protein diets:
| Feature | Vegan Diet (c. 2020-2024) | High-Protein Diet (c. 2024-Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Protein Sources | Tofu, mushrooms, beans, legumes, plant-based meat substitutes, nutritional yeast | Eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, Greek yogurt |
| Carbohydrates | Often included processed vegan foods, rice, and pasta | Focus on whole foods and vegetables, with less reliance on processed items |
| Motivation | Feeling better eating plants, not for weight loss | Increased energy, mental clarity, weight management, and resolving stomach issues |
| Overall Philosophy | Embrace plants, prioritize nourishment, and reject fat-shaming | Listen to your body, find what brings happiness, and maintain balance |
| Noteworthy Habits | Showcased vegan cooking hacks on TikTok; ate honey despite being primarily plant-based | Follows a set schedule for meals and includes healthy snacks like Greek yogurt and fruit |
The Takeaway: It's All About Balance
While Lizzo is no longer a vegan or vegetarian, her message of self-love and prioritizing what makes one's body feel good remains consistent. She openly shared her diet changes to provide an honest perspective on her wellness journey, recognizing that what works for one person may not work for another. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that health is personal and can involve constant adaptation and evolution. By prioritizing listening to her body, Lizzo continues to advocate for a balanced, joyful approach to health and wellness that moves beyond restrictive labels.
For more insights into her health and diet changes, you can read about her journey in this recent article from People Magazine: Lizzo Leaves Veganism, Says Animal Proteins Help 'Mental Fog'.
Conclusion
In summary, Lizzo's dietary path is a dynamic one. She was a committed vegetarian and vegan for several years, using her platform to promote plant-based eating. However, she is no longer a vegan or vegetarian today, having purposefully reintroduced animal proteins into her diet in late 2024. This change was a result of listening to her body's needs for more energy and mental clarity, which she credits to the addition of animal protein. Her current diet is high-protein and includes eggs, chicken, and fish. Ultimately, Lizzo's health journey underscores her overarching philosophy of finding balance, self-acceptance, and doing what feels best for your own body, a message that has resonated with fans worldwide, regardless of her dietary choices.
