From Animal Advocate to Pescatarian: Miley Cyrus's Dietary Transition
For nearly six years, from approximately 2013 to 2019, Miley Cyrus was one of the most prominent celebrity figures in the vegan movement. Her commitment to a plant-based lifestyle was fueled by her deep love for animals, a connection that strengthened significantly after the tragic death of her dog, Floyd. Her advocacy included championing cruelty-free fashion and frequently posting vegan recipes and messages on social media. However, this period of strict veganism came to an end after she began experiencing significant health issues, which led her to re-evaluate her nutritional needs.
The Health Issues Behind Her Shift
In a 2020 appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Cyrus revealed her decision to quit her vegan diet and reintroduce fish. She explained that during this time, she was struggling with "brain fog" and "intense joint pain," which she attributed to nutritional deficiencies. She recounted feeling like she was "running on empty" during her 2019 Glastonbury performance. For her, the introduction of fish and omega-3s was a necessary step for her brain to function properly.
Her claims stirred controversy within the vegan community, with many pointing out that a well-planned vegan diet can provide all necessary nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids from sources like chia seeds, flax seeds, and algae-based supplements. While many vegans have thrived on a plant-based diet, Cyrus's experience highlights the importance of individual nutritional needs and the necessity of listening to one's own body. Her godmother, Dolly Parton, confirmed in a 2022 interview that Miley is now more discerning about her diet, noting that she has gone through "a lot of phases of being vegetarian or being vegan or whatever".
The Nutritional Aspects of Vegan vs. Pescetarian Diets
Switching from a vegan diet to a pescetarian one fundamentally changes the nutritional profile of one's food intake. A vegan diet, for example, is entirely plant-based, excluding all animal products including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. A pescetarian diet, by contrast, is mostly plant-based but includes fish and other seafood. This allows for an easier intake of certain nutrients.
Key Nutrients in a Well-Planned Vegan Diet:
- Protein: Sources include legumes, lentils, tofu, tempeh, seitan, nuts, and seeds.
- Omega-3s: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. For more direct EPA and DHA, algae-based supplements are effective.
- Vitamin B12: Must be supplemented, as it is primarily found in animal products.
- Iron: Found in lentils, beans, tofu, fortified cereals, and spinach. Pair with Vitamin C for better absorption.
- Calcium: Sourced from fortified plant milks, tofu, kale, and collard greens.
- Iodine: Found in seaweed and iodized salt.
Comparing Vegan and Pescetarian Nutrition
| Nutrient | Vegan Diet | Pescetarian Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) | Can be obtained from algae-based supplements and plant-based sources, but conversion from ALA is often inefficient. | Easily sourced from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, providing a direct source of EPA and DHA. |
| Vitamin B12 | Requires supplementation or consumption of fortified foods to prevent deficiency. | Can be obtained naturally from fish and other animal products, reducing the need for supplements. |
| Protein | Abundant plant-based protein sources are available, but intake often requires more careful planning to ensure variety. | Combines plant-based protein with highly bioavailable protein from fish, simplifying meeting daily requirements. |
| Iron | Non-heme iron from plant sources requires awareness of bioavailability, though overall intake can be high. | Includes heme iron from fish, which is more readily absorbed by the body. |
| Environmental Impact | Generally considered to have a lower environmental footprint compared to diets including animal products. | Lower environmental impact than diets with red meat, but still contributes to fishing industry concerns like overfishing and pollution. |
What Miley Cyrus Eats Now
Since her dietary change, Cyrus's diet appears to be a blend of her plant-based past and her newer pescetarian choices. Sources report her diet includes nutritious green smoothies, various salads, and of course, fish. She also enjoys traditional Southern American meals, though perhaps with less frequency than in her younger years. This approach allows her to maintain a predominantly plant-focused diet while ensuring she receives the nutrients she feels are necessary for her personal health and cognitive function.
Conclusion
So, is Miley Cyrus vegan? The definitive answer is no, and she hasn't been since 2019. Her journey from a passionate vegan activist to a pescetarian reflects a highly personal decision based on her experience with specific health challenges. While her story ignited debates about the sufficiency of vegan diets, it also serves as a reminder that individual nutritional requirements can differ significantly. For some, a well-planned vegan diet is optimal; for others, like Cyrus, incorporating specific animal products may be the right choice for their well-being. Ultimately, understanding one's own body and ensuring a balanced nutrient intake are the most critical aspects of a healthy dietary approach, regardless of the label.
For more information on balancing a plant-based diet, resources from accredited nutritional bodies can be highly valuable, such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Miley Cyrus become a vegan? A: Miley Cyrus adopted a vegan lifestyle around 2013, following a deeply emotional incident involving her dog.
Q: Why did Miley Cyrus stop being a vegan? A: She stopped being vegan in 2019 due to what she described as health issues, including brain fog and joint pain, which she felt were related to nutritional deficiencies.
Q: What diet does Miley Cyrus follow now? A: Miley Cyrus now follows a pescetarian diet, which is largely plant-based but includes fish and other seafood.
Q: What nutrients was Miley Cyrus lacking? A: According to her, she felt she was deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, which she addressed by reintroducing fish into her diet.
Q: Can a vegan diet provide all necessary omega-3s? A: Yes, a well-planned vegan diet can provide omega-3s from sources like algae-based supplements, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
Q: Did Miley Cyrus's ex-husband influence her diet? A: Her ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth, was also vegan for a time and faced his own health issues, though the details of their dietary influence on each other are personal. It was Liam who famously cooked her the first fish meal after she transitioned away from veganism.
Q: Why do some celebrities quit veganism? A: Reasons vary among celebrities, often including unique health challenges, personal preferences, or needing a change for overall well-being, as seen with Miley Cyrus and other high-profile individuals.
Q: What are the main differences between a vegan and pescetarian diet? A: The main difference is the inclusion of fish and seafood in a pescetarian diet, which provides a direct source of nutrients like omega-3s and B12 that are naturally absent from a vegan diet.
Q: Is Miley Cyrus still an animal rights advocate? A: Despite no longer being a strict dietary vegan, Miley remains a vocal and passionate advocate for animal welfare and rescue.
