From Vegetarian to Flexitarian: Carrie Underwood’s Evolving Nutrition Diet
For years, fans and media alike have followed country music star Carrie Underwood's dedication to health and fitness. A long-time vegetarian since her early teens, her diet has evolved considerably throughout her career. After her rise to fame on American Idol, Underwood admitted to struggling with body image and adopting restrictive eating habits. This difficult period led her to re-evaluate her approach to food, shifting her focus from a number on the scale to overall well-being. This shift is what ultimately led her to a primarily plant-based diet, though her relationship with veganism is complex.
The 'Wannabe Vegan' Era
In the early to mid-2010s, Underwood began to refer to herself as a “wannabe vegan,” describing her diet as being around 95% vegan. She largely avoided dairy and other animal products but allowed for some flexibility. The motivation for this dietary exploration was multi-faceted. Inspired by a friend's glowing health after going vegan, Underwood was motivated to explore the benefits for herself. Her upbringing on a cattle farm also played a role; after witnessing the neutering of calves at age 13, she vowed to stop eating beef, which later evolved into a complete avoidance of all meat. The “wannabe vegan” label reflected a genuine effort to reduce her consumption of animal products while acknowledging the occasional exception.
Life on the Farm and the 45-30-25 Diet
As of 2024 and 2025, Underwood has clarified that she is no longer strictly vegan. She and her husband, Mike Fisher, live on a farm where they keep chickens and bees. This lifestyle change influenced her diet, as she now incorporates eggs from her own chickens and honey from her bees into her meals. She also mentions including cheese in her diet again. For strict vegans who avoid all animal-derived products, consuming eggs and dairy would mean she no longer adheres to a vegan diet. However, her overall dietary pattern remains heavily plant-based. She follows a balanced nutritional plan known as the 45-30-25 diet, which breaks down her daily macronutrient intake into 45% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 25% protein.
Carrie Underwood's Current Diet
- Breakfast: Tofu or egg-white scramble, Ezekiel toast, berries, and coffee.
- Lunch: Veggie-packed, vegan sandwich with ingredients like Tofurky, avocado, spinach, and mustard.
- Snacks: Protein bars, green smoothies, almonds, apples, and hummus with veggies.
- Dinner: Roasted vegetables with vegan chicken or tofu stir-fry.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated with plenty of water and occasionally adding electrolyte sticks.
Addressing the Controversy
Underwood's shift away from a strict vegan label has not been without controversy, particularly among dedicated vegan fans. In 2023, she posted Instagram stories featuring jars of pressure-canned meat, which she noted was for her family. Given her past public statements and perceived image as a vegan advocate, this caused a stir and disappointment for some. While she never claimed her husband was vegan and has joked about his hunting in the past, the visual representation of meat processing surprised some followers. For Underwood, this likely represents a more flexible, family-oriented approach to food rather than a moral hypocrisy, but it highlights the public scrutiny faced by celebrities with specific dietary affiliations.
The Importance of Balance Over Perfection
Underwood's dietary evolution showcases a movement away from rigid, restrictive eating toward a balanced, sustainable, and less stressful relationship with food. She emphasizes that consistency, not perfection, is the key to her long-term health and well-being. This philosophy allows her to maintain a healthy lifestyle while also enjoying occasional indulgences like a square of dark chocolate or a glass of red wine. Her focus on whole, unprocessed foods and mindful eating has replaced the calorie-counting and over-exercising of her younger days.
Comparison: Veganism vs. Carrie Underwood's Diet
| Feature | Strict Vegan Diet | Carrie Underwood's Current Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | None | No personal consumption, but prepares for family and has canned wild game |
| Dairy | None | Occasional consumption of cheese and eggs from her own farm |
| Honey | None | Consumes honey from her own bees |
| Flexibility | Highly structured and disciplined | Allows for flexibility and balance, embracing a 'primarily plant-based' approach |
| Overall Philosophy | Avoidance of all animal exploitation | Holistic health and feeling good, balance over perfection |
Creating Your Own Path
For those inspired by Underwood's approach, the message is about finding what works for you without being overly restrictive. Her journey, detailed in part in her book Find Your Path, emphasizes that a healthy lifestyle is a marathon, not a sprint. She encourages others to listen to their bodies and make small, sustainable changes over time. Instead of adhering to a rigid label, she prioritizes mindful eating and a nutrient-dense diet. By focusing on whole, simple ingredients and maintaining a balanced macronutrient intake, she has found a sustainable way to fuel her demanding life as a performer, mother, and entrepreneur.
Ultimately, the question, 'Is Carrie Underwood still vegan?' is answered with a clear 'no.' However, the details of her current diet reveal a much more nuanced and valuable lesson in nutrition and wellness, focusing on flexibility, balance, and listening to your body over adhering to strict labels. You can learn more about her wellness philosophy in her book, Find Your Path.
