Setting the Record Straight: Monroe's High-Protein Diet
Speculation about the lifestyles of Hollywood's Golden Age stars is common, and Marilyn Monroe's eating habits are no exception. For decades, the myth of her being a vegetarian has persisted, largely due to a romanticized view of the icon. However, concrete evidence, including her own statements, paints a very different picture. In a 1952 interview with Pageant magazine, titled "How I Stay in Shape," Monroe openly discussed her daily food intake, which included a bizarre breakfast and meat-centric dinners.
The Bizarre Breakfast
Monroe's morning routine was a testament to her unconventional eating style. She described starting her day with warm milk and two raw eggs whisked together, which she would drink while getting dressed. She followed this with a daily multivitamin.
Dinner: A Simple, Meat-Focused Meal
Monroe's dinners were described as "startlingly simple" and heavily focused on animal protein. Her routine involved stopping at the local market to pick up her main course.
- Broiled Meats: Her choice of protein often included steak, lamb chops, or liver, which she would broil.
- Raw Carrots: This simple meat was paired with an equally simple side: four or five raw carrots. She famously joked, "I must be part rabbit; I never get bored with raw carrots".
The Postscript Indulgence
Monroe did allow for one notable indulgence: a hot fudge sundae from Wil Wright's ice cream parlor on her way home from her evening drama classes. She noted this treat was possible because her regular diet was composed "almost totally of protein foods".
Monroe's Diet vs. a True Vegetarian Diet
To further clarify the difference, here is a comparison of Marilyn Monroe's reported diet and a modern lacto-ovo vegetarian diet.
| Feature | Marilyn Monroe's Diet (1952) | Typical Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Sources | Broiled steak, lamb chops, liver, raw eggs in milk | Plant-based protein (beans, lentils, tofu, nuts), eggs, and dairy products. |
| Carbohydrates | Minimal; often skipped lunch, raw carrots for fiber | Often emphasized; includes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. |
| Sweets & Indulgences | Hot fudge sundaes from Wil Wright's | Varies, but avoids animal-based gelatin or other animal products. |
| Dietary Philosophy | Pragmatic and protein-focused for perceived health benefits | Ethical, environmental, or health-based avoidance of all meat. |
Marilyn's Cookbooks and Other Culinary Clues
Further evidence against the vegetarian theory comes from the auction of her personal effects, which included two cookbooks with her handwritten notes. Some recipes included non-vegetarian ingredients, such as beef bourguignon and a stuffing made with chicken or turkey liver. These recipes, combined with her stated diet, provide a robust counter-argument to the vegetarian myth.
Conclusion: More Meat Than Myth
The question "Was Marilyn Monroe a vegetarian?" is unequivocally answered with a no. The reality, as revealed through her own interviews and personal recipes, is that she followed a high-protein diet that included regular consumption of red meat, poultry liver, and raw eggs. While her eating habits were certainly unique—mixing raw eggs with milk for breakfast and pairing meat with raw carrots—they were never plant-based. You can read excerpts from her illuminating 1952 interview with Pageant magazine to learn more about her habits directly from the source.
