The Shift from Vegan to Pescetarian
Miley Cyrus was widely known as a vocal and passionate advocate for animal rights and veganism for several years. This came to an end in September 2020 when she made a candid confession during her appearance on the popular podcast The Joe Rogan Experience. The singer and actress revealed that she had stopped her strict plant-based diet in 2019 due to significant health concerns. Her decision was not taken lightly, as she had been a strong public proponent for the lifestyle, even receiving the Celebrity Advocate Award at the Animal Rights National Conference.
Cyrus explained that for a period, she had been "running on empty" and felt her "brain wasn't functioning properly". The health issues also reportedly included intense hip and joint pain, which she experienced on a flight to Europe. To address these problems, she made the difficult decision to reintroduce fish and omega fatty acids into her diet. This marked her shift from a vegan to a pescetarian diet, which she continues to follow.
The Joe Rogan Interview: Key Details
On the podcast, Cyrus detailed the emotional moment of her first non-vegan meal in six years. Her ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth, reportedly cooked her some fish on the grill. She recalled, “I cried, like, for a long time. I cried for the fish … it really hurts me to eat fish”. Despite the personal difficulty, she immediately noticed a change. “Now I'm so much sharper than I was and I think that I was, at one point, pretty malnutritioned,” she told Rogan. This revelation, coming nearly a year after the diet change, sparked considerable debate and criticism from parts of the vegan community who felt betrayed.
The Omega-3 Debate: Fish vs. Plant-Based
Cyrus's justification for reintroducing fish—specifically citing the need for omega-3 fatty acids—met with significant backlash and scrutiny. Critics, including nutrition experts, pointed out that her claims were misleading. It is well-documented that sufficient omega-3s, including DHA and EPA, can be obtained through a well-planned vegan diet, often with the help of supplements derived from algae. Algae is, in fact, the source of omega-3s for fish. Experts also suggested that her dramatic improvement could be a placebo effect, and that with her resources, she could have consulted nutritionists to properly plan her diet rather than resorting to animal products.
Vegan and Pescetarian Omega-3 Sources
Here is a comparison of common omega-3 sources:
| Source Category | Vegan-Friendly Examples | Key Omega-3s Provided | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant-Based | Flaxseeds, Chia Seeds, Walnuts | ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) | Must be converted by the body, which can be inefficient. |
| Algae Oil Supplements | DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) | Bioavailable forms, often taken via supplement. | |
| Pescetarian | Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Tuna | DHA, EPA | Highly bioavailable and readily absorbed by the body. |
| Fish Oil Supplements | DHA, EPA | Convenient but can carry risk of contaminants like mercury. |
The Wider Context: Celebrities and Diet Changes
Miley's dietary shift is not unique in the celebrity world. Many public figures have experimented with various diets and changed course, citing personal health needs. Her ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth, also abandoned veganism for health reasons after experiencing kidney stones. Other celebrities, such as Anne Hathaway, have made similar transitions after feeling their plant-based diets were not sustainable for their personal health. The intense pressure and public scrutiny these figures face can make such decisions particularly difficult.
Despite the controversy, Cyrus has repeatedly emphasized her continued commitment to animal welfare. She points to her large number of rescued animals and ongoing advocacy as proof that her ethical beliefs remain intact. This stance, however, has not appeased all of her former supporters, with some highlighting the inconsistency of eating fish while claiming animal cruelty is wrong. The incident underscores the complex and often personal nature of diet, and that what works for one person may not work for another.
Miley Cyrus's Vegan Journey Timeline:
- Circa 2013-2014: Adopts a vegan diet, influenced by her love for animals and the death of her dog, Floyd.
- 2017: Gets a sunflower tattoo, a symbol of the Vegan Society, to show her commitment.
- 2019: Introduces fish into her diet to address health issues like brain fog and joint pain.
- September 2020: Publicly reveals her dietary change during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
- Present: Follows a pescetarian diet while continuing her animal welfare advocacy.
Conclusion: A Personalized Approach to Nutrition
In conclusion, Miley Cyrus is no longer a vegan, having made the switch to a pescetarian diet in 2019 for health-related reasons. Her departure from the vegan lifestyle was not done lightly and prompted significant discussion and criticism within the vegan community. While a well-planned vegan diet can provide all necessary nutrients, Cyrus's experience highlights that dietary needs are highly individual. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to one's body and seeking professional nutritional advice when needed, rather than relying solely on celebrity testimonials. For those interested in plant-based nutrition, it is wise to consult with a dietitian to ensure all dietary needs are met effectively. Her situation also demonstrates the ongoing tension between a public figure's personal health decisions and their public persona, particularly when it comes to charged topics like veganism and animal rights.
Miley Cyrus explains why she gave up being a vegan | Yahoo Life UK
