Dame Joanna Lumley has admitted it was “awful” to cut out one type of food for decades. However, by sticking with it, she’s reaped years worth of health benefits – including better skin, heart health and disease immunity.
The 78-year-old star, known for her roles in Absolutely Fabulous and the Netflix hit Fool Me Once, appeared on the Waitrose Dish podcast with Radio DJ Nick Grimshaw and celebrity chef Angela Hartnett. She spoke about a choice she made back in the 70s that has an impact on every meal she’s eaten since.
The mum-of-one made a major decision about her diet that seemed “awful” but persevered, adding it’s easier now. She said: “It was awful to begin with, going out to restaurants and dinner parties, because people didn’t know what to do.
“They’d panic and try to make you eight eggs and sort of lasagnes which just turned into huge slabs of concrete with something horrifying in between. there was no way of saying, can I just eat the vegetables?”
The actress cut meat from her diet and has been a vegetarian since 1970 – she regularly campaigns for sustainable living and animal rights. Since more and more people have adopted the lifestyle, it has become much easier for Joanna (and millions of other vegetarians) to be catered for – and she’s still grateful for anyone who makes an effort.
She added: “I like raw things very much, like salads and stuff. I’m so touched when anybody’s done anything vegetarian for me.”
It has been reported that Joanna eats mostly vegetables and prefers grazing on small snacks and portions over large meals. Back in 2021, Joanna attributed the reason she is “never ill” to her vegetarian lifestyle.
She does confess, though, that it would be hard to go a step further and commit to a vegan diet. Speaking on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware, she said: “I suddenly thought I was not going to do this anymore.
“I am not going to eat meat or fish. No more, finished, gone. But I am not a vegan. That is the next step, but I love cheese.”
Vegetarianism is a lifestyle that is packed with benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. It can also help with weight management and support healthy skin.
Studies have also linked higher vegetable intake with positive skin health. These foods are rich in plant chemicals called polyphenols, as well as skin-supportive nutrients like vitamins C and E.
Research also suggests that adopting a predominantly plant-based diet may be a healthier way to eat, with fewer reported cases of obesity. And, for those looking to lose weight (depending on your starting point), it may result in a substantially greater reduction in weight.
Key points about vegetarianism and illness:
Reduced risk of chronic illnesses: Studies indicate that vegetarian diets are frequently linked to decreased occurrences of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, contributing to better overall health and a lower chance of severe health issues.
Increased fibre consumption: Foods derived from plants are generally abundant in fibre. This can enhance digestive health and bolster a strong immune system.
Abundant in antioxidants: A variety of fruits and vegetables included in a vegetarian diet are loaded with antioxidants. They can aid in safeguarding cells from harm.
Being a vegetarian can greatly lower your chances of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, thanks to a generally healthier diet. However, it doesn’t mean you are completely immune to getting sick. Maintaining a well-balanced vegetarian diet is essential to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients and keep your immune system strong.