The Origins of Ringo's Vegetarianism
Ringo Starr's journey towards vegetarianism began much earlier than his public sobriety. While many associate his healthy lifestyle with his decision to quit drinking and drugs in the late 1980s, Starr reportedly became a vegetarian as early as 1965. The decision was prompted by an eye-opening experience: witnessing a bullfight while in Spain left him disturbed and angry at the cruelty to animals. This compassionate stance laid the groundwork for a dietary shift that has lasted his entire adult life.
His childhood health struggles also played a significant role. As a boy, he was often ill and had a sensitive stomach, which made him a fussy eater. This sensitivity has stayed with him, causing him to avoid heavy spices, garlic, and onions, which he knows will make him feel sick immediately. The vegetarian diet of whole, unprocessed foods naturally fits his need for a cleaner, simpler menu.
Ringo's Favorite Foods and Daily Staples
When asked about his diet, Ringo often names two foods as his staples: broccoli and blueberries. He has been quoted saying, "I have broccoli with everything and blueberries every morning". These two superfoods are loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, making them a cornerstone of his anti-aging regimen.
A typical day for Ringo might include:
- Breakfast: A bowl of blueberries, often accompanied by other berries, fruit, and yogurt. He has also mentioned green smoothies in his morning routine.
- Lunch: A generous salad, packed with vegetables and other vegetarian ingredients. He and his wife, Barbara Bach, have been photographed enjoying vegetarian pasta.
- Dinner: A meal centered around vegetables, with broccoli being a frequent guest star. He also enjoys staples like potatoes, though he opts for healthy fat like olive oil instead of butter.
- Snacks: Other fruits and simple, healthy snacks. He reportedly requested vegan oatmeal cookies (without raisins) for a recent event.
Ringo's Diet vs. Other Beatles
All four members of The Beatles made shifts in their eating habits over time, influenced by their own experiences and partners. While Paul McCartney is famously vegan, Ringo is distinctly vegetarian. The comparison below highlights the differences in their food philosophy.
| Feature | Ringo Starr's Diet | Paul McCartney's Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Core Philosophy | Vegetarian; influenced by personal health and animal compassion. | Vegan; driven primarily by animal welfare and environmental concerns. |
| Dairy | Eats some dairy, specifically mentioning goat cheese as a food he consumes. | Avoids all dairy products. |
| Specific Foods | Loves broccoli and blueberries, avoids heavy spices, garlic, and pizza. | Has also been a proponent of vegetables and fruits; co-founded the 'Meat Free Monday' campaign. |
| Food Preparation | Enjoys simple, clean preparations. Loves cooking for himself and his wife. | His wife, the late Linda McCartney, was a pioneer in vegetarian cooking and authored cookbooks. |
How Ringo's Health Journey Explains His Diet
Ringo's early life was riddled with health problems, including peritonitis from a burst appendix and a long hospitalization with tuberculosis. These experiences instilled a life-long consciousness about his health. He also embraced sobriety in 1988, which further solidified his commitment to a clean and healthy lifestyle. This combination of a medically sensitive disposition, an ethical awakening, and a desire for sobriety led him to embrace a diet that is nourishing, simple, and avoids potential triggers.
He has consistently spoken about the importance of a clean diet, and avoiding "a lot of crap". His longevity and energy at an advanced age are a testament to his dedication. It's a complete lifestyle package—eating well, staying active, and maintaining a positive outlook—that keeps him healthy. His regimen is not about a quick fix but about consistent, mindful choices.
Conclusion: Ringo's Recipe for Longevity
Ringo Starr's diet can be summed up as a simple, whole-foods-based vegetarianism driven by health concerns, ethical beliefs, and a sensitive stomach. By focusing on staples like broccoli, blueberries, and other fresh produce, he has maintained a high level of health and activity well into his eighties. His commitment is a powerful example of how sustained healthy eating, combined with regular exercise and a positive attitude, can contribute to long-term wellness. His dietary choices are less about following a trend and more about a deeply personal journey towards feeling good and living a full life.
Note: While Ringo is primarily vegetarian, some reports from 2016 suggested he was at one point an "all-organic vegan," though he has since clarified he still consumes some dairy. The core of his diet, however, remains consistent.
Recipes Inspired by Ringo Starr
Ringo's Blueberry Breakfast Bowl
- 1 cup mixed berries (focus on blueberries)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
- A handful of toasted walnuts or seeds
- Optional: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Enjoy a simple, antioxidant-rich breakfast fit for a Beatle.
Simple Roasted Broccoli
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. Serve as a main or side dish, just as Ringo does.
Vegetarian Pasta à la Starr
- 1 lb pasta of your choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., zucchini, peppers, cherry tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup pesto or a light marinara sauce
- A sprinkle of goat cheese (optional, per Ringo's preference)
Cook pasta according to package directions. Sauté vegetables in olive oil until tender-crisp. Toss cooked pasta, vegetables, and sauce together. Top with goat cheese if desired and a bit of fresh parsley.
