From Vegan Advocate to Pescatarian: Miley's Dietary Journey
For many years, Miley Cyrus was a high-profile champion of the vegan lifestyle, embracing it around 2013 after the death of her beloved dog. Her commitment was so profound that she even got a vegan society tattoo. Her vegan diet, which excluded all animal products, was a major part of her public identity. However, in 2019, after experiencing significant health challenges, she began to rethink her approach to nutrition.
During her appearance on the 'Joe Rogan Experience' podcast in 2020, Cyrus revealed that she was suffering from 'brain fog' and 'intense joint pain'. She explained that despite trying to supplement her diet with plant-based sources, she felt that her brain and body were not functioning optimally. Realizing she was 'running on empty,' she made the difficult decision to introduce fish and omegas back into her diet. This transition was, for her, a move toward listening to her body's specific needs rather than adhering to a rigid ideology.
The Shift to a Pescatarian Diet
The pescatarian diet, which Cyrus currently follows, is a style of vegetarianism that includes fish and seafood. It primarily consists of plant-based foods, including vegetables, grains, legumes, and fruits, with fish and other seafood as the main source of animal protein. Cyrus has found that incorporating fish, which is rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids and protein, has made her feel 'sharper' and more energetic.
Her diet is a blend of plant-based staples and carefully selected seafood. This is what a typical day of eating for her might include, based on reported accounts:
- Breakfast: Often begins with a nutrient-dense smoothie, potentially including berries and plant-based protein, or a serving of avocado toast.
- Lunch: Might consist of a quinoa salad or a colorful veggie wrap, focusing on whole foods and diverse vegetables.
- Snack: She keeps her energy levels stable with healthy options like fruits or nuts.
- Dinner: A meal centered around fish, such as baked salmon with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, provides a source of lean protein and healthy fats.
While her diet is now centered on plant-based foods and fish, she hasn't completely abandoned her roots. Cyrus, a Tennessee native, still enjoys Southern comfort food in moderation, with help from her godmother Dolly Parton's cooking. Her philosophy has shifted to one of balance and moderation, emphasizing that it's okay to make flexible choices for one's health and well-being.
Comparing Miley's Vegan and Pescatarian Diets
| Aspect | Vegan Diet (formerly) | Pescatarian Diet (currently) |
|---|---|---|
| Food Sources | Strictly plant-based foods only; no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, or honey. | Primarily plant-based foods, but includes fish and other seafood. |
| Protein | Derived from plant sources like legumes, nuts, seeds, and tofu. | Sourced from plants, fish, and seafood, offering high-quality, lean protein. |
| Key Nutrients | Requires careful planning to obtain nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3s, often via fortified foods or supplements. | Fish provides bioavailable omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients, reducing reliance on supplements. |
| Challenges | Cyrus reported experiencing brain fog, joint pain, and feeling 'malnourished' or 'running on empty'. | Potential concerns include mercury exposure from certain fish and the sustainability of seafood. |
| Physical Effects | Led to feelings of being 'pretty malnutritioned' for Cyrus at one point. | Cyrus has reported feeling 'sharper' and more energetic since the change. |
| Flexibility | A strict regimen with no room for animal products. | Allows for more dietary flexibility and easier nutrient acquisition compared to a strict vegan diet. |
The Importance of Listening to Your Body
Miley Cyrus's story is a powerful reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. Her experience, and the subsequent backlash she received from some vegan circles, highlighted the often-contentious nature of dietary choices. However, her message has remained consistent: it's crucial to be in tune with your own body and its unique nutritional requirements. For her, the addition of omega-3s from fish proved to be a necessary component for her mental and physical well-being.
This shift doesn't negate the benefits of a plant-based diet for many people, but it does emphasize the importance of individual physiological responses. A well-planned, whole-food, plant-based diet can be perfectly healthy for some, but others may thrive with certain animal products included. For those considering a dietary change, Cyrus's journey serves as a real-world example of prioritizing personal health over dogma.
Conclusion: Personalized Nutrition Reigns Supreme
The evolution of what diet does Miley Cyrus do serves as a fascinating case study in personalized nutrition. Her public and honest account of transitioning from a dedicated vegan to a mindful pescatarian underscores the fluidity of wellness. After experiencing health issues like brain fog and joint pain, she found that reintroducing fish and its crucial omega-3 fatty acids significantly improved her cognitive function and overall vitality. While she maintains a largely plant-based foundation, her willingness to adapt based on her body's signals is a key takeaway. Ultimately, Miley's nutritional philosophy boils down to balance, moderation, and the courage to listen to one's own body, even if it means departing from a path once championed. It's a testament to the idea that the journey to optimal health is often a personal and evolving one. For those interested in a similar dietary structure, resources on sustainable seafood and meal planning can be helpful. A great resource for understanding balanced dietary patterns is the BBC's guide to pescatarianism.
