Carrie Underwood's 'Wannabe Vegan' Philosophy
Carrie Underwood’s approach to nutrition is a dynamic one, having evolved since her teenage years. A lifelong vegetarian, she has since shifted toward a primarily plant-based diet, famously coining the term “wannabe vegan” to describe her flexible eating style. This philosophy is rooted in a desire for balance and sustainability, rather than rigid restriction. For Underwood, this means prioritizing whole, unprocessed plant foods while allowing for the occasional inclusion of animal products like eggs and cheese when she feels it is necessary.
Her dedication to ethical and mindful eating is evident in her choice of where her eggs come from. She has stated that the only eggs she consumes are laid by the eight chickens she keeps at home. This practice allows her to have full transparency and control over the origin of her food, aligning with her values of knowing exactly what she is consuming.
The Importance of Macronutrient Balance
Beyond her vegetarian-adjacent status, Underwood is known for her disciplined and balanced approach to macronutrients, or macros. She aims for an ideal daily breakdown of approximately 45% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 25% protein. This specific ratio helps provide her with sustained energy for her intense fitness routines and demanding tour schedule, without experiencing the energy crashes associated with high-sugar, ultra-processed foods.
Working with her long-time nutritionist, Cara Clark, Underwood has found a routine that works for her lifestyle. The focus is on simplicity, whole foods, and careful tracking of her intake to ensure she meets her nutritional goals. This meticulousness contrasts sharply with her earlier dietary habits, where she admits to falling into a cycle of binging on fast food and pasta while on the road.
A Typical Day of Eating for Carrie Underwood
Based on various interviews and her book Find Your Path, a typical day for Carrie Underwood is packed with nutrient-dense meals.
- Breakfast: Starts her day with a hearty and balanced breakfast, often featuring a tofu or egg-white scramble (using her ethically-sourced eggs), Ezekiel toast, fresh berries, and coffee.
- Lunch: A veggie-packed vegan sandwich on whole-grain bread is a favorite. This typically includes fillings like Tofurky, avocado, spinach, tomato, and mustard.
- Snacks: To stave off hunger between meals, she turns to healthy, simple snacks. Favorites include protein bars, green smoothies, fruit, nuts, and hummus with veggies.
- Dinner: For her evening meal, Underwood often prepares a tofu stir-fry or roasted vegetables with vegan chicken.
- Hydration: Hydration is key, and she often carries electrolyte sticks for an on-the-go boost.
- Indulgences: While not big on sweets, she sometimes enjoys a piece of dark chocolate or a glass of red wine, proving her diet is about balance, not deprivation.
Comparison Table: Carrie's Diet vs. Strict Veganism
| Feature | Carrie Underwood's Diet | Strict Vegan Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Core Principle | Primarily plant-based with ethical and mindful exceptions | Excludes all animal products and by-products |
| Eggs | Consumes eggs, but only from her own backyard chickens | No eggs |
| Dairy | Occasionally includes cheese, based on personal judgment | No dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.) |
| Protein Sources | Includes plant-based proteins (tofu, nuts) and occasional ethically-sourced animal proteins | Relies solely on plant-based protein sources |
| Flexibility | Self-describes as 'wannabe vegan' for flexibility | Adheres strictly to vegan principles |
The Role of Simplicity in Her Nutrition
Underwood's diet is a testament to the power of simplicity. In an age of ultra-processed and convenient fast food, she actively opts for whole, simple ingredients. By preparing her own food, often from her own garden, she maintains control and a deep connection to her food source. This not only contributes to better health but also fosters a more mindful relationship with eating. Her advice is often to keep things as simple and nutritious as possible to feel your best.
In her book, Find Your Path, she emphasizes that fitness and nutrition are an integrated journey, not a destination. Her holistic approach, combining a plant-forward diet with a balanced macronutrient profile and regular exercise, is what allows her to sustain her high-energy lifestyle. Her journey shows that a healthy diet doesn't need to be defined by strict labels but by mindful choices and balance.
Conclusion
In answer to the question, does Carrie Underwood eat eggs?, the short answer is yes, she does, but with a conscious and ethical caveat. As a self-proclaimed “wannabe vegan,” her diet is a unique blend of plant-based eating and selective, ethically-sourced animal products from her own backyard. This flexible approach, guided by her nutritionist and an emphasis on whole, simple foods, provides a sustainable model for healthy eating. By focusing on balanced macros and mindful consumption, Underwood has built a diet that fuels her performance while staying true to her personal and ethical values. Her story serves as an inspiration that nutrition is a personal journey, and finding a balance that works for you is key to long-term health and wellness. For more insights into her wellness philosophy, readers can consult her book Find Your Path.
