What Does Carrie Underwood Eat Every Day? Her Plant-Based Diet Revealed

According to several interviews, Carrie Underwood describes herself as a “wannabe vegan” who follows a primarily plant-based diet. So, what does Carrie Underwood eat every day? A typical day for the country star is focused on simple, whole, and nutrient-dense foods, with an emphasis on balance rather than perfection.

Quick Summary

Carrie Underwood follows a simple, plant-based diet, often describing herself as a 'wannabe vegan' who prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods. Her daily intake emphasizes balanced macros with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and lean protein sources like tofu, with hydration and mindful eating as key components.

Key Points

• Plant-Based Focus: Carrie Underwood follows a primarily plant-based, or “wannabe vegan,” diet, emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, and tofu.

• Balanced Macros: She adheres to a 45-30-25 macronutrient ratio, ensuring a balanced intake of carbohydrates, fats, and protein for sustained energy.

• Mindful Eating: Underwood focuses on simplicity and doesn't get hung up on perfection, allowing for small, occasional indulgences like dark chocolate or red wine.

• Daily Meals: A typical day includes a tofu scramble for breakfast, a vegan sandwich for lunch, and a tofu stir-fry or roasted vegetables for dinner.

• Smart Snacking: She keeps her energy levels up with simple snacks like green smoothies, protein bars, and nuts.

• Prioritizes Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is a key part of her routine, and she keeps water and electrolyte sticks handy.

Carrie Underwood's Plant-Based Nutrition Philosophy

Carrie Underwood's approach to food has evolved significantly over the years. She shifted from a strict diet to a more balanced and mindful eating style, guided by her nutritionist Cara Clark. Her philosophy is centered on eating clean, simple, and whole foods to fuel her demanding performance schedule and busy family life.

The 45-30-25 Macronutrient Plan

Underwood follows a 45-30-25 macro plan, which stands for 45% carbohydrates, 30% fats, and 25% protein. This balanced intake ensures she has sustained energy throughout the day, essential fatty acids for proper bodily function, and enough protein for muscle repair and maintenance. This strategic macronutrient distribution helps her stay energized without feeling overly restricted.

Embracing Simplicity

A key tenet of Underwood's diet is simplicity. She advocates for avoiding ultra-processed foods and sticking to ingredients that are as close to their natural state as possible. This helps her make healthier choices, whether at home or on the road, where she prefers grocery store runs over fast-food takeout.

A Typical Day of Eating

Morning

For breakfast, Carrie often starts her day with a protein-packed meal. It might include:

• A tofu or egg-white scramble: This is a go-to for her, sometimes incorporating eggs from her own backyard chickens. She'll often sauté the scramble with peppers and onions.
• Ezekiel toast: A sprouted whole-grain bread that offers complex carbohydrates.
• Berries and coffee: Berries provide antioxidants and fiber, while coffee offers a natural energy boost.

Midday

For lunch, she prefers a light yet filling vegan sandwich:

• Tofurky sandwich: Often made with Ezekiel bread and loaded with nutritious toppings.
• Veggies and healthy fats: Ingredients include avocado, spinach, red onion, and mustard.
• Touring meals: When on the road, she often packs vegetarian burritos for a convenient, healthy option.

Snacks

Underwood keeps her snacks clean and convenient to sustain her energy between meals and workouts:

• Green smoothie: A great way to pack in nutrients and stay full.
• Protein bar: A quick and easy option for an extra protein boost.
• Fruits and nuts: Simple, wholesome snacks for on-the-go nourishment.

Evening

Dinner often consists of cooked vegetables and a plant-based protein source:

• Tofu stir-fry: A versatile and customizable meal rich in protein and veggies.
• Roasted vegetables: A simple side dish that can be paired with vegan chicken or tofu.
• Homemade dishes: She creates healthier comfort food swaps, like a vegetable-packed slow-cooker lasagna.

Indulgences

While disciplined, Underwood allows herself small indulgences in moderation:

• Dark chocolate: A small square satisfies a sweet craving.
• Red wine: A relaxing treat that she jokes is "good for her heart".

The Importance of Hydration

Proper hydration is a cornerstone of Underwood's regimen. She emphasizes drinking plenty of water and also uses electrolyte sticks for on-the-go boosts, which she told Women's Health is crucial for feeling your best.

A Comparison of Carrie Underwood's Diet

Aspect	Carrie Underwood's Diet (Plant-Based Focus)	Common 'Quick Fix' Celebrity Diets
Primary Food Source	Whole, unprocessed plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, tofu, nuts).	Highly restrictive, often excluding entire food groups (e.g., keto, juice cleanses).
Macronutrient Balance	A balanced 45-30-25 ratio of carbs, fat, and protein.	Focus on one macro (e.g., high protein) or severe calorie restriction.
Sustainability	A long-term, balanced, and sustainable lifestyle.	Often short-term, unsustainable plans that lead to yo-yo dieting.
Mindset	Mindfulness and consistency are key; balance over perfection.	Often involves extreme discipline and pressure to achieve immediate results.
Approach to Indulgence	Allows for small, mindful indulgences like dark chocolate or wine.	Tends to forbid all treats, which can lead to binge eating or rebound weight gain.

Conclusion: The Carrie Underwood Way

Carrie Underwood's daily diet is less about a strict set of rules and more about a sustainable, mindful, and plant-forward lifestyle. By prioritizing whole foods, balancing her macros, and staying hydrated, she maintains the energy and health required for her demanding career. Her "wannabe vegan" status showcases a flexible and realistic approach, proving that you don't need to be perfect to make healthy choices. This balanced mindset, combined with regular exercise, is the true secret to her lasting success and well-being. Following her example of simplicity and consistency offers a valuable blueprint for anyone looking to improve their own health and relationship with food.

Here are some of the key strategies she advocates for, as also highlighted in her book Find Your Path, which offers additional guidance on building a healthy lifestyle.

• Focus on whole foods: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.
• Keep it simple: Avoid processed and packaged foods as much as possible.
• Hydrate regularly: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Plan and prepare: Take the time to plan meals and pack healthy snacks to avoid bad choices when busy.
• Find balance: Don't obsess over perfection; allow for small, mindful indulgences.
• Listen to your body: Pay attention to hunger cues and nourish yourself adequately, especially if you're active.

For more information on balanced nutrition, you can explore resources like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics [https://www.eatright.org/].

How a 'wannabe vegan' diet fuels performance

Underwood's diet is intentionally designed to support her high-energy career. By focusing on nutrient-dense, plant-based foods, she provides her body with the fuel it needs for grueling workout sessions and demanding stage performances. The complex carbohydrates from sources like Ezekiel bread and berries offer sustained energy, while protein from tofu helps with muscle recovery. Her mindful approach and balanced eating habits prevent the energy crashes and nutrient deficiencies often associated with more restrictive diets, allowing her to consistently perform at her peak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carrie Underwood a vegetarian or vegan?

Carrie Underwood is a longtime vegetarian who now follows a primarily plant-based, or "wannabe vegan," diet. She still occasionally eats eggs from her backyard chickens but avoids most other animal products, including dairy.

What is Carrie Underwood's diet plan called?

While not a specific named diet, Underwood follows a nutritional approach that focuses on a 45-30-25 macronutrient distribution (45% carbs, 30% fat, 25% protein) from mostly plant-based, whole foods.

What does Carrie Underwood eat for breakfast?

For breakfast, Carrie often eats a tofu or egg-white scramble with peppers and onions, served with Ezekiel toast, berries, and coffee.

What kind of snacks does Carrie Underwood eat?

Carrie prefers simple, clean snacks like green smoothies, protein bars, fruits, and nuts to keep her energized between meals.

Does Carrie Underwood ever cheat on her diet?

Underwood believes in balance over perfection. She doesn't deprive herself and allows for small, mindful indulgences like dark chocolate or a glass of red wine. Her philosophy is to get back on track the next day if she overindulges.

How does Carrie Underwood eat while on tour?

When on tour, Carrie brings her own prepared food or opts for healthier options like grocery store vegetarian burritos rather than relying on fast food or takeout. She also keeps healthy snacks on hand.

What is Carrie Underwood's overall nutrition philosophy?

Her philosophy is to keep things simple, nutritious, and balanced. She emphasizes eating whole, unprocessed foods and listening to her body, a mindset that promotes long-term health rather than chasing quick fixes.