A Childhood Revelation on the Family Farm
Carrie Underwood's journey to vegetarianism began not in a health food store or a celebrity chef's kitchen, but on her family's farm in rural Oklahoma. As a young girl growing up around cattle, she formed a connection with the animals that was profound and personal. Her diet began to shift when she was around 13, following a particularly traumatic incident. In an interview, Underwood recalled how her parents were "banding cattle," a procedure for castration, and she asked why. Upon learning the purpose of this and other farming practices, she made a connection that profoundly affected her. The realization that the very animals she cared for and grew up with would eventually become someone's meal was a horrifying and sad revelation that led her to immediately stop eating beef.
The Evolution from Vegetarian to “Wannabe Vegan”
Underwood's shift was a gradual process. While she initially cut out beef in her teens, it was not until she was in her early twenties, after winning American Idol and moving to California, that she fully embraced a vegetarian diet. Her time in California exposed her to a wider array of vegetarian and vegan food options, which were scarce in her small Oklahoma hometown, and made the lifestyle more accessible. Over the years, her commitment to animal welfare and health deepened, leading her to adopt a mostly vegan diet, though she has described herself as a “wannabe vegan”. She acknowledges the difficulty of adhering to a strict vegan diet 100 percent of the time, especially when traveling. For instance, she may consume egg whites for breakfast, sourced from her own backyard chickens, which aligns with her desire to know where her food comes from.
The Health and Fitness Connection
Beyond her ethical considerations, Underwood's plant-based diet is deeply tied to her holistic approach to health and fitness. She has publicly stated that her dietary choices are about being strong and feeling good, rather than being focused on weight loss or strict deprivation. This is a healthier mindset compared to her earlier career when she faced public scrutiny and restricted herself to as little as 800 calories a day. Her current diet is a balanced regimen focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, and a macro split of 45% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 25% protein.
Carrie Underwood's Typical Daily Diet
- Breakfast: Tofu or egg-white scramble, Ezekiel toast, berries, and coffee.
- Lunch: Vegan sandwich with ingredients like Tofurky, avocado, spinach, and mustard.
- Snacks: Protein bars or green smoothies.
- Dinner: Roasted vegetables with vegan chicken or a tofu stir-fry.
This approach to eating fuels her demanding schedule, which includes extensive touring and rigorous workouts. She prioritizes simple, unprocessed foods and even grows as much of her own produce as she can in her garden.
Comparison of Early vs. Modern Diet Approach
| Aspect | Early American Idol Days | Current Approach (Primarily Plant-Based) |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation | Focused on staying thin due to public and self-imposed pressure. | Focused on strength, health, and feeling good. |
| Ethical Stance | Based on a formative childhood experience (not eating beef). | Deepened over time, leading to near-veganism and animal rights advocacy. |
| Dietary Rules | Extreme caloric restriction (800 calories/day). | Balanced macronutrients (45/30/25) with mindful eating. |
| Food Choices | Limited, often-deprived options; sometimes ate unhealthily on the road. | Simple, whole foods; plenty of vegetables, tofu, and legumes. |
| Flexibility | Rigid and unsustainable, leading to a negative cycle. | Flexible and balanced (“wannabe vegan”), allowing for occasional treats. |
Animal Welfare Advocacy and Public Stance
Underwood's personal choices have translated into public advocacy for animal rights. Her support extends beyond her dietary habits, encompassing collaborations with organizations like PETA and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). In 2013, she publicly used her platform to oppose Tennessee's “ag-gag” bill, which aimed to make animal cruelty investigations on farms illegal. She has also actively promoted her hometown's C.A.T.S. Foundation (Checotah Animal, Town, and School) which supports animal shelters. Her stance has, at times, led to public clashes, but she has consistently stood by her convictions, tweeting in response to criticism that she is a “tax paying citizen concerned for the safety of my family”. This history of vocal support for animal welfare has made her a celebrated figure within the animal rights community.
Conclusion: A Conscious and Compassionate Choice
Ultimately, Carrie Underwood's decision to not eat meat stems from a powerful and early-life moment of moral clarity on her family's Oklahoma farm. This foundational event set her on a lifelong path of conscious dietary choices and increasing commitment to animal welfare. Her diet is not a trend or a quick fix but a reflection of her deeply held ethical beliefs, a quest for optimal health, and a commitment to using her voice for change. Her journey from a child on a cattle farm to a vegetarian country superstar and animal rights advocate serves as an inspiring example of personal evolution and conviction. For more information on her book and fitness app, visit her official website.
Key Takeaways
- Early Farm Experience: A childhood experience on her family's cattle farm at age 13 was the primary catalyst for why Carrie Underwood doesn't eat meat.
- Ethical Convictions: Her vegetarianism is driven by a deep-seated ethical objection to harming animals, a conviction that grew stronger over time.
- Health and Wellness: In addition to ethics, her dietary choices are part of a broader commitment to health, fitness, and fueling her demanding career.
- Evolutionary Diet: She evolved from a strict vegetarian to a more flexible, predominantly plant-based approach, describing herself as a “wannabe vegan”.
- Public Advocacy: Underwood uses her platform to advocate for animal rights and has openly opposed anti-animal welfare legislation.
- Balanced Approach: Unlike her early, restrictive dieting, her current approach is balanced and focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods.
- Respected Advocate: Her long-term dedication has earned her recognition and respect from animal rights organizations like PETA.
FAQs
Q: When did Carrie Underwood first stop eating meat? A: She stopped eating beef around age 13 after a revelation on her family's farm and became a full vegetarian at age 21.
Q: Is Carrie Underwood a vegetarian or a vegan? A: She identifies as a vegetarian but describes herself as a “wannabe vegan” who follows a mostly plant-based diet, though she will occasionally eat eggs from her backyard chickens.
Q: What specific event made Carrie Underwood a vegetarian? A: The pivotal event was witnessing her parents banding cattle on their farm, and realizing that the animals she cared for were being raised for slaughter.
Q: Does Carrie Underwood's husband, Mike Fisher, also not eat meat? A: No, Mike Fisher does not follow a vegetarian diet, though he is supportive of her choices.
Q: Does Carrie Underwood cook? A: Yes, she enjoys cooking and preparing her own food, using ingredients from her garden whenever possible.
Q: What does Carrie Underwood eat on tour? A: When traveling, she is known for carrying her own food, often opting for healthy packaged meals like vegetarian burritos over takeout.
Q: Has Carrie Underwood been recognized for her animal rights work? A: Yes, she has been named PETA's "Sexiest Vegetarian" multiple times and has actively supported and founded animal welfare charities like the C.A.T.S. Foundation.
