Cynthia Erivo's Vegan and Plant-Based Approach
Cynthia Erivo's dietary choices are rooted in a personal journey toward better health and peak performance. Her transition to veganism began in 2013 after she recognized that a plant-based diet was the most beneficial way to treat her body. Initially driven by the discovery that her body struggled to process red meat and the need to protect her vocal cords from dairy's effects, her commitment deepened as she experienced the positive impacts on her energy and overall health. By eliminating animal products, Erivo found she felt less sluggish and could function at her best, a necessity given her rigorous schedule of acting, singing, and marathon training. Her approach is not overly restrictive but rather focuses on consuming clean, nutrient-dense foods to fuel her body effectively.
Prioritizing Clean, Simple Foods
Erivo's philosophy is to keep her food clean and simple, often preferring to cook her own meals so she knows exactly what she is consuming. This allows her to focus on natural ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives. Her regular diet is rich in lean proteins (from plant sources), fruits, and vegetables, providing a balanced and nourishing foundation for her active lifestyle.
A Typical Day of Eating for Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo follows a structured yet flexible eating schedule, often coordinating her meals around her intensive workout regimen. Her daily nutrition is designed to provide sustained energy throughout the day, whether she is rehearsing for a show or filming on set.
Morning Rituals and Breakfast
Her day starts with a morning tonic, which is typically hot water with lemon or a turmeric-infused drink. She then performs her workout on an empty stomach to avoid feeling sick. Following her exercise session, she eats a high-protein breakfast and takes her supplements to ensure she starts the day properly fueled. Her breakfast might be a simple bowl of porridge or fresh fruit.
Lunch and Snacks
For lunch, Erivo enjoys a simple and delicious peanut butter wrap with apples and raisins, a meal packed with protein, healthy fats, and a touch of sweetness to maintain her energy. Throughout the day, she relies on smart, easy-to-carry snacks like cashews, apples, and herbal tea to keep her going between meals and demanding performances.
Dinner and Evening Routine
For dinner, her go-to meal is herb-rubbed tofu, prepared like a steak, and served with jasmine rice. This provides a hearty, protein-rich end to her day. She finishes her eating window around 8 or 9 p.m., allowing her body ample time to relax and digest before sleep.
The Role of Supplements and Hydration
To complement her diet and rigorous fitness routine, Erivo incorporates a number of supplements into her daily life.
- For Energy and Travel: She takes a B complex vitamin, especially when traveling frequently.
- For Greens: Supplements like spirulina and chlorella ensure she gets her greens in tablet form on days when she might not consume enough.
- For Joint Health: Flaxseed oil helps with joint health, which is vital given her intensive workout schedule.
- For Overall Health: She also takes a multivitamin, probiotics, and vitamin D.
Staying hydrated is also a top priority. Cynthia drinks only water and herbal tea, avoiding other beverages to keep her vocal cords in top condition.
Diet Comparison: Erivo's Veganism vs. Non-Veganism
| Aspect | Cynthia Erivo's Vegan Diet | Typical Non-Vegan Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Sources | Plant-based: tofu, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables. | Animal and plant-based: meat, dairy, eggs, fish, plus plant sources. |
| Dairy | Excluded due to personal intolerance and vocal health. | Consumed from milk, cheese, and other products. |
| Red Meat | Avoided entirely, as her body doesn't process it well. | Often a regular part of meals. |
| Meal Prep | High focus on homemade, clean meals to control ingredients. | Varies widely, from home-cooked to processed and restaurant foods. |
| Nutrient Focus | Considers nutrient density and how food affects body function. | Can be less intentional, depending on individual habits. |
Maintaining a Healthy Diet While Traveling
As someone who travels frequently, Erivo has developed strategies to maintain her healthy eating habits on the road. Her toolkit includes packing healthy, non-perishable snacks like seaweed chips, edamame chips, nuts, and apples. For flights, she often prepares a homemade meal and carries it in a thermos. When staying in hotels, she requests a kettle and a fridge, allowing her to prepare simple, nutritious meals on the go. This proactive approach ensures she never has to compromise her diet due to a busy schedule.
Beyond the Plate: Wellness and Fitness
For Cynthia Erivo, diet is just one part of a holistic wellness plan. She is known for her intense and consistent workout routine, which includes running, strength training, and boxing. Her dedication to fitness is for more than just physical appearance; she views it as a form of self-care and a way to maintain her mental well-being. The combination of a disciplined workout schedule and her nutritious vegan diet is what allows her to perform at an elite level, both physically and mentally.
Final Thoughts on What is Cynthia Erivo's diet?
Ultimately, Cynthia Erivo's diet is a highly personal and intentional one, tailored to her specific health needs and demanding career. By adopting a health-centric vegan lifestyle, she has found a way to not only fuel her body but also enhance her professional capabilities and overall well-being. Her focus on clean, homemade meals, strategic snacking, and consistent supplementation provides a sustainable model of healthy eating that supports her body and mind. Her disciplined approach demonstrates that a plant-based diet can be a powerful tool for achieving and maintaining peak physical and mental condition.
For those interested in exploring a similar path, her journey serves as a powerful testament to the benefits of listening to your body and making intentional dietary choices to support your health goals. Read more about her philosophy in her 2018 interview with Bon Appétit: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/cynthia-erivo-workout-warrior.
