From Vegan Advocate to Skeptic
In a surprising twist for many followers, adventurer Bear Grylls reversed his long-standing promotion of a vegan lifestyle, a fact he now says he's "embarrassed" by. At one point, Grylls was such a believer in a plant-based diet that he even wrote a cookbook, Fuel for Life, published in 2015, which featured dairy, wheat, and sugar-free recipes. While the book included some animal products, it reflected a time when he focused heavily on reducing meat consumption. During this period, he championed plant-based eating for both its perceived health and environmental benefits. However, Grylls now states that through personal experience and further research, he concluded he was wrong on both counts.
Health Crisis and Kidney Concerns
The most significant factor driving Grylls's decision was a severe health downturn he claims to have experienced. He reported that his health "tanked" and that a diet heavy in raw vegetables and juices led to intense kidney pain and nearly gave him kidney stones. This revelation directly contradicts the commonly held belief that vegetables and plant-heavy diets are universally beneficial. Grylls's experience underscores that what works for one person may not work for another, and that even seemingly healthy food choices can have negative consequences for some individuals. Following a COVID-19 infection, he doubled down on his plant-based approach with raw juices, only to see his health worsen, prompting him to reassess his entire dietary philosophy.
The Shift to an Ancestral, Carnivore-Adjacent Diet
After his health issues peaked, Grylls made a radical change, influenced by advocates of an ancestral or carnivore-adjacent diet, such as Paul Saladino, also known as 'Carnivore MD'. His new regimen is dramatically different from his vegan phase, focusing on nutrient-dense animal products and minimal plant matter.
Grylls's Current Diet Includes:
- Red Meat and Organ Meats: Grass-fed beef, liver, and bone marrow are now staples, which he touts for their high nutrient density.
- Eggs and Dairy: He consumes a significant number of eggs and full-fat dairy, such as Greek yogurt and salted butter.
- Natural Sweets: Honey and fruit are included in his diet.
- Starches (in moderation): He may include some white rice or potatoes.
Grylls claims that since making this change, he has never felt stronger, and has seen improvements in his skin and gut health. He also reports feeling fuller for longer, eliminating his former cravings for junk food and the cycle of dieting and binging he experienced previously.
A Radical Change in Food Philosophy
Grylls's shift represents a complete overhaul of his food philosophy, moving away from what he calls "processed stuff" and towards a more primitive, ancestral way of living. He is now vocal about his aversion to most vegetables, grains, and seed oils, which he attributes to his past health problems.
A Comparison of Grylls' Vegan and Ancestral Diets
| Aspect | Past (Vegan-focused) Diet | Present (Ancestral-focused) Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Plant-based sources, some "honest meat" | High quantities of grass-fed red meat, organ meat |
| Vegetable Intake | High, often including raw juices and salads | Minimal to none, believes they caused gut and kidney issues |
| Dairy & Eggs | Avoided (dairy-free recipes) | Consumed liberally (butter, yogurt, eggs) |
| Fats | Varied, potentially including processed seed oils | Animal fats (tallow, butter) and fruit |
| Carbohydrates | Fruits, vegetables, potentially grains | Fruit, honey, small amounts of white rice |
| Perceived Outcome | Feeling weak, low-energy, kidney pain | Feeling stronger, improved gut and skin health |
The Controversy and Expert Criticism
Grylls's pronouncements and endorsement of a meat-heavy diet have not been without controversy. Many nutrition experts and scientific reviews disagree with his claims and have criticized his new diet as potentially harmful. Research often links high red meat and saturated fat intake with increased risks of heart disease, certain cancers, and other chronic conditions. Experts also debate the theory that plant compounds like oxalates are a widespread problem for most people. The differing perspectives highlight the complexity of nutrition science and the highly individual nature of dietary health.
For most people, a well-planned vegan diet can be perfectly healthy, and vegetables are a crucial part of a balanced diet recommended by health authorities. Grylls's extreme personal experience and subsequent public advocacy for an ancestral diet have ignited a significant debate in the wellness community.
Conclusion: A Highly Personal Dietary Journey
Ultimately, the question of why did Bear Grylls stop being vegan comes down to his highly personal health journey and the adverse reactions he claims to have had to his plant-based lifestyle. His shift to a meat-heavy, ancestral diet was a response to specific health issues he experienced, primarily kidney pain and low energy. While his new diet seems to work for him, his experience is not a universal indictment of veganism, which remains a viable and healthy option for many. Instead, it serves as a powerful example of how individual biology can respond uniquely to different food groups and underscores the importance of listening to one's own body when making dietary choices.
For a deeper dive into the health impacts of various diets, including those high in animal protein, consulting a variety of sources is advisable, not just one celebrity's anecdote. The discourse around his experience serves as a reminder that what constitutes a 'healthy' diet can vary widely from person to person. Grylls’s path, from embracing plants to rejecting them, is an extreme but illustrative example of dietary evolution motivated by personal health perceived benefits. For more information, you can find a good article here: Plant Based News perspective on Grylls's diet.
