The Origins of Her Dietary Shift
In the past, Jhené Aiko admitted to poor eating habits, consuming a lot of fried foods and neglecting her health, which eventually led to liver, gallbladder, and kidney problems. This health crisis was a major turning point, pushing her to re-evaluate her lifestyle. Instead of relying solely on conventional treatments, she began researching natural ways to heal and decided to adopt a vegan diet. Her initial decision, therefore, was driven by a necessity to regain her physical health.
Over time, Jhené's commitment evolved from a health-based necessity to a deeper, more ethical choice. She has openly discussed her passion for animal rights and has become an advocate for animal welfare, lending her voice to causes and supporting vegan-friendly brands. This progression from personal health to a broader ethical stance highlights the depth of her commitment to the vegan lifestyle. Her embrace of veganism is not just about the food on her plate, but an alignment with her overall spiritual and mindful living philosophy.
The "Inside-Out" Approach to Wellness
For Jhené Aiko, what she eats is just one part of a much larger wellness framework. She describes her philosophy as an "inside-out" approach, where physical appearance and energy are a direct reflection of internal health and self-care. This perspective means her diet is complemented by several other mindful practices.
Mindful Living and Hydration
- Deep Breathing: Aiko practices conscious deep breathing throughout the day, even at red lights, as a form of meditation to manage stress.
- Hydration: She is a proponent of staying hydrated and uses a Kangen water machine to produce alkaline water, which she drinks and also uses on her face.
- Connection to Nature: Aiko enjoys sitting outside in silence and observing nature, a practice she has maintained since childhood, to feel more grounded.
- Disconnection: She periodically unplugs from her phone and social media, giving herself a much-needed break from constant digital communication.
Her Vegan Eating Habits and Favorite Foods
Jhené is candid about being a vegan who isn't always perfectly healthy. While her diet is plant-based, she admits to enjoying carbs and fried foods, acknowledging that it's a daily effort to stick to healthier choices. This realistic perspective makes her relatable and shows that perfection isn't the goal, but rather consistent effort.
Examples of Jhené Aiko's Diet
- Fruits and Vegetables: She consciously increased her intake of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
- Blueberries: The singer considers blueberries one of her favorite snacks, appreciating their high antioxidant content.
- Avocado: She enjoys a simple avocado with salt and pepper.
- Vegan Tacos: Aiko has been shown making vegan potato and carrot tacos, showcasing her love for cooking plant-based versions of popular dishes.
- Japanese Curry: Her favorite thing to cook is a Japanese golden curry.
- Indulgent Snacks: For her indulgent side, she has mentioned a fondness for Oreos, as well as chips with salsa or guacamole.
- Hydration: Alongside her specialized alkaline water, she also enjoys tea, like chamomile and lavender, particularly before sleep.
A Comparison of Jhené Aiko's Old vs. New Diet
| Aspect | Pre-Vegan Diet | Current Vegan Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Core Protein Source | Animals (e.g., shrimp and grits mentioned) | Plant-based (e.g., vegetables, possibly beans or other vegan proteins) |
| Carbs | Consumed, potentially in combination with non-vegan foods | Consumed, with an admitted love for carbs, though plant-based |
| Indulgences | Fried foods, unhealthy eating habits leading to health issues | Less-healthy vegan options, like fried vegan food and Oreos |
| Hydration | Normal water, likely minimal focus on quality | Alkaline water (9.5pH) and herbal teas |
| Health Impact | Negative; led to hospital visits for liver, gallbladder, and kidney problems | Positive; improved energy, skin, and overall well-being |
| Guiding Philosophy | Focused on cravings and less on overall health | Holistic wellness, emphasizing an "inside-out" approach |
The Mental and Emotional Connection to Diet
Jhené's story is a powerful reminder that diet is deeply intertwined with mental and emotional health. Her past struggles with anxiety and negative body image contributed to a downward spiral of unhealthy eating habits and self-medication. By addressing her diet, she also began to heal internally. She recognized that her skin issues were not just superficial but a reflection of her internal state, and a healthier lifestyle led to a healthier appearance and mood. The transition wasn't just about weight loss or a food trend, but a complete transformation aimed at improving her overall well-being, fostering a positive relationship with her body, and embracing self-acceptance.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Diet
What is Jhené Aiko's diet? It's much more than a simple list of foods. It represents a pivot from a destructive, reactive lifestyle to a proactive and holistic approach to wellness. After a health scare, her move to veganism was a catalyst for broader change, encouraging mindful living, better hydration, and a positive mindset. While she admits to being an imperfect vegan who enjoys indulgences, her commitment to a plant-based, inside-out philosophy has allowed her to regain her health and achieve a greater sense of peace and well-being. Her journey serves as an inspiration for many to view diet not as a restrictive plan, but as an integral part of a complete self-care regimen that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit.
For more insight into Jhené Aiko's self-care and wellness routine, check out her interview with Marie Claire.
