Jenna Ortega's Long-Term Veganism
Before her time on the set of Wednesday, Jenna Ortega was a longtime advocate of a vegan lifestyle, a choice often driven by both health and ethical considerations. Her dietary habits reflected a preference for plant-based foods and an appreciation for cruelty-free alternatives, as she expressed on social media. However, like many who adopt restrictive diets, she would eventually face circumstances that tested the practicality of her chosen path.
The Romanian Filming Challenge
For the role of Wednesday Addams, Ortega relocated to Romania, a country with a culinary tradition famously rich in meat-based dishes, stews, and dairy products. While veganism is not impossible to maintain there, the food is, as Ortega herself put it, “very different” from what she was used to. This stark difference in available cuisine presented a significant challenge for the actress, who was already undergoing an intense filming schedule with long hours and physically demanding stunt work. Navigating unfamiliar markets and limited restaurant options made it incredibly difficult to find adequate and consistent vegan meals.
Reintroducing Fish to Meet Nutritional Needs
In a 2023 interview with Wired, Ortega explained her decision frankly, stating, “I don’t think I was meeting my nutritional requirements” while working in Romania. Faced with this health concern, she made the pragmatic choice to reintroduce animal products to her diet by starting to eat fish. This transition from veganism to pescatarianism was not a moral compromise but a necessity to maintain her energy and health during the demanding production.
A Deeper Dive into Dietary Transitions
Ortega's experience highlights a common issue faced by individuals who follow specific dietary protocols: the balance between ideals and practical application, especially when life circumstances change. A strictly plant-based diet, while very healthy, requires careful planning to ensure sufficient intake of certain nutrients, including protein, Vitamin B12, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Adding fish back into her diet provided a more direct and convenient source for some of these essential nutrients, such as bioavailable protein and beneficial omega-3s, simplifying her nutritional strategy during a stressful period.
Comparing Dietary Paths
Her choice to become a pescatarian, while staying largely dairy-free, illustrates the flexibility some people require for their long-term wellness. Here is a comparison of key aspects between a strictly vegan diet and a pescatarian one, inspired by Ortega's transition.
| Feature | Vegan Diet | Pescatarian Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Sources | Beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, plant-based protein powders. | Fish, shellfish, eggs, and all vegan protein sources. |
| Primary Omega-3s | ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) from sources like flaxseed and chia seeds; supplementation often recommended. | EPA and DHA from fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), as well as ALA from plant sources. |
| Vitamin B12 | Requires supplementation or fortified foods, as it is only naturally found in animal products. | Can be obtained from fish, eggs, and dairy, reducing the need for supplementation. |
| Food Accessibility | Can be challenging in regions with limited plant-based options or while traveling. | Generally more flexible and widely available, especially in coastal areas. |
| Dietary Flexibility | Very strict, with no animal products whatsoever. | Adds more variety and can simplify dining out and travel. |
Life After Veganism: A Pescatarian Journey
Since the filming of Wednesday, Ortega has continued to identify as pescatarian, emphasizing that the decision was about adapting to her health and circumstances. Her story serves as a reminder that dietary journeys are personal and can evolve based on an individual's life, location, and specific nutritional requirements. It is a testament to prioritizing one's health, rather than adhering rigidly to a label. Ultimately, her switch was not a failure of veganism but a practical and responsible nutritional adjustment under pressure.
Conclusion
Jenna Ortega's decision to stop being vegan was a direct response to the practical challenges of maintaining a highly specific diet while filming Wednesday in Romania. Her primary motivation was to ensure she was meeting her essential nutritional requirements during a physically and mentally taxing period of her career. By transitioning to a pescatarian diet, she found a sustainable middle ground that allowed her to prioritize her health and performance, while still maintaining many of her original dietary values. Her experience highlights that what is optimal for one's diet can change with one's lifestyle and environment, and that flexibility is a key part of long-term health and wellness. For more insights into the challenges and benefits of plant-based diets, check out this guide on why people quit veganism.
