Lizzo's Journey from Plant-Based to Omnivore
For years, Lizzo was a prominent voice in the plant-based community, having transitioned from vegetarianism in 2020 to a fully vegan lifestyle. She often shared her vibrant, plant-based meals and spoke about how a vegan diet made her feel good. However, her health journey, like many people's, evolved over time. In October 2024, the singer surprised many fans by announcing on social media that she was no longer vegan and had begun eating animal protein again.
Her change was not a casual one but a conscious decision based on extensive personal experience and listening to her body. Lizzo cited several health-related issues that led her to question her vegan diet, including persistently low energy levels and mental fog. While a vegan diet can be very healthy, Lizzo realized she was not getting the satisfaction or the nutritional balance her body needed from the highly processed plant-based foods she was consuming. She admitted to eating a lot of bread, rice, and "fake meats" that were not adequately filling her up, sometimes consuming 3,000 to 5,000 calories a day without feeling satiated.
The Japanese Trip and Reintroduction of Animal Protein
A turning point in Lizzo's dietary shift was a trip to Japan, where she was introduced to a new style of eating. Inspired by the reputation of the Japanese diet as one of the healthiest in the world, she decided to try the local cuisine, which included fish, eggs, and other animal products. Lizzo recounted her experience with genuine enthusiasm, noting how good she felt after indulging in fresh sushi and eggs. This experience was a "game changer" and prompted her to re-evaluate her previous eating habits.
Upon returning from her trip, Lizzo began her official reintroduction of animal protein, conducting her own "tests and research" to monitor her body's reactions. She found that incorporating foods like beef, chicken, and fish helped her achieve her goals, providing her with more energy and improving her mental clarity. This personalized approach underscores her philosophy that there is no one-size-fits-all diet, and what works for one person may not work for another.
The Shift to Whole Foods
Lizzo's decision to start eating meat was intrinsically tied to a broader shift towards eating whole foods and away from processed alternatives. The following list highlights the core changes:
- Elimination of Processed Vegan Alternatives: Moved away from highly processed fake meats, which she found unsatisfying and calorically dense.
- Focus on Natural Protein Sources: Prioritized unprocessed animal proteins like chicken, fish, and eggs for better satiety and energy.
- Incorporation of Diverse Whole Foods: Replaced processed carbs with a variety of nutrient-dense, natural foods.
Vegan vs. Lizzo's Omnivore Diet: A Comparison
| Feature | Lizzo's Former Vegan Diet | Lizzo's Current Omnivore Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Sources | Primarily plant-based sources like processed vegan meats, beans, and grains. | Whole animal proteins like beef, chicken, and fish. |
| Energy Levels | Reported low energy and mental fog. | Experienced increased energy and mental clarity. |
| Satiety | Felt consistently hungry despite high caloric intake from processed carbs. | Feels full and satisfied due to nutrient-dense, whole foods. |
| Key Motivation | Initially felt better on a plant-based diet, advocating for veganism based on personal experience. | Driven by improved personal health, acknowledging every body is different. |
Lizzo's Body Positivity Message Remains Unchanged
Despite the significant dietary shift and subsequent weight change, Lizzo has remained a fierce advocate for body positivity. She has publicly stated that her personal health choices are about her well-being and not a rejection of her core message that health and beauty come in all shapes and sizes. Lizzo has consistently preached that happiness is what truly matters and has encouraged her followers to do what is best for themselves. She views her journey as a highly personal one and has been careful to not present it as a prescriptive path for others. This message of self-acceptance and listening to one's own body has remained constant throughout her public evolution.
Conclusion: A Personal Journey, Not a Universal Prescription
Ultimately, Lizzo's decision to start eating meat was a highly personal health decision, driven by her own unique physical responses and needs. The move was influenced by factors like feeling consistently low on energy, mental fog, and a desire to move away from processed vegan alternatives towards more whole, nutrient-dense foods. A trip to Japan served as the catalyst, showing her how clean, natural animal proteins could positively impact her well-being. Throughout this journey, Lizzo has remained steadfast in her body-positive messaging, stressing that what works for her may not work for everyone and that happiness and listening to one's body are paramount. Her story serves as a reminder that health is a deeply individual process, not a rigid set of rules.
Here's an article detailing Lizzo's initial advocacy for veganism
