Cher, 77, stays active with this energy building diet

At 77, Cher’s vibrant health and energy are often attributed to her diet, which is largely plant-based.

Cher in concert, 2019. PHOTO: Flickr/Raph_PH

She adopted this dietary style over thirty years ago, drawing inspiration from the eating habits of people living in the so-called Blue Zones—regions known for their high numbers of centenarians.

Cher believes that avoiding dairy and meat, while focusing on vegetables, fruits, and other plant-based foods, helps maintain her stamina and energy.

Active Lifestyle and Dietary Choices

Cher complements her diet with an active lifestyle that includes regular exercise, such as Zumba and surfing.

She avoids red meat and opts for plant-based alternatives, which she feels are healthier for her body.

Her diet consists mainly of vegetables, legumes, and fruits, with a special liking for naturally sweet fruits like papaya and nectarines.

Cher performing live in concert, 2014. PHOTO: David Carroll

Health Conscious and Avoiding Bad Habits

Cher is very health-conscious, avoiding not just specific foods but also bad habits. She has steered clear of smoking and drugs, consuming alcohol only sparingly.

Her approach to health is holistic, focusing on both what she eats and her overall lifestyle choices. She credits this with keeping her feeling young and fit.

Cher takes her diet and lifestyle choices very seriously, focusing on her health rather than just following trends. She sticks to a vegetarian diet and remains active, aligning with expert advice on healthy living and longevity.

Cher in the ‘Sonny & Cher’ TV show in the 1970s. PHOTO: CBS Television

Who is Cher?

Cher, a multi-talented American artist, is renowned for her distinctive singing voice, acting skills, and iconic presence in pop culture. Born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, she rose to fame in the 1960s as part of the duo Sonny & Cher.

Cher’s solo music career includes hits like “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time,” and she has won Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Awards. She is well known for her dynamic style and longevity in the entertainment industry,

Cher on stage in 2019.PHOTO: Flickr /Raph_PH

Cher has also been vocal about her health-focused lifestyle. She follows a strict diet, primarily plant-based, which she credits for her youthful appearance and vitality.

Cher’s life has been filled with many important moments, including her work supporting different causes and her significant contributions to film and music.

A smoothie with berries. PHOTO: Stock image

Cher’s Daily Food Choices

Breakfast

Cher starts her day with a focus on light and energizing foods. She often opts for a smoothie made from fresh fruits like bananas and berries.

This choice not only gives her a quick burst of energy but also fits well with her diet rich in plants, emphasizing natural sweetness and nutrients right from the start of the day.

Salad with avocado. PHOTO: Stock image

Lunch

For lunch, Cher likes to keep things varied but leans heavily towards salads packed with leafy greens and a mix of vegetables.

She includes ingredients like avocados and nuts to add healthy fats and proteins, making her meals both satisfying and nutritious.

Grilled vegetables and rice. PHOTO: Stock image

Dinner

Dinner remains consistent with Cher’s plant-based preferences. She frequently enjoys a combination of grilled vegetables and complex carbs like quinoa or brown rice. These foods help her stay full and energized without feeling heavy, supporting her active lifestyle and dietary goals.

Fresh fruit snacks. PHOTO: Stock image

Snacks

Cher snacks smartly, choosing options that are both healthy and easy to eat on the go. She often reaches for fresh fruits or a handful of nuts.

These snacks are not only convenient but also align with her dietary approach, providing essential vitamins and sustained energy throughout her busy days.

Cher in the 1970s. PHOTO: Casablanca Records

5 Quotes from Cher

“I try to avoid foods with a high-fat content because they make me sluggish and keep my weight up. Dairy products are not good for us.” Cher discusses her dietary choices and their impact on her health and energy. This quote was shared during an interview about her diet and lifestyle choices. Source: VegNews.

“I think cheese is one of the worst things for the body. It doesn’t digest well, and most cheeses are too high in fat and cholesterol.” Cher expresses her concerns about cheese in her diet, citing digestion and high-fat content as major issues. Source: People Magazine.

“I weaned myself from whole milk to nonfat milk—if I’m having milk at all.” Reflecting on her dietary adjustments, Cher details her shift from whole milk to nonfat, showing her cautious stance on dairy. Source: VegNews.

“@Gagasperfektluv don’t eat ham.” In a direct tweet, Cher advises against eating ham, aligning with her practice of avoiding certain meats for health reasons. Source: Twitter.

“I don’t like meat and so most of the things that I like are healthy for you.” Here, Cher links her food preferences to her health-conscious lifestyle, emphasizing her avoidance of meat and choice of healthy alternatives. Source: Hello! Magazine.

Sonny and Cher performing live in 1971. PHOTO: Kapp Records

Cher FAQ

What does Cher typically eat for breakfast?

Cher prefers a light and energizing start to her day with breakfast options like smoothies or fresh fruits. She emphasizes the importance of starting the day with nourishing and refreshing foods, consistent with her overall health-centric approach to eating.

How does Cher feel about meat?

Cher does not include meat in her diet, opting instead for vegetarian alternatives which she believes are healthier and more aligned with her lifestyle choices. She has been vocal about her preference for plant-based foods, which she feels better support her energy levels and health.

Does Cher consume dairy products?

Cher has mostly eliminated dairy from her diet, making a switch from whole milk to nonfat milk and, more often than not, choosing to avoid dairy altogether. This choice reflects her commitment to her vegetarian eating habits and her concerns about the effects of dairy on health.

What are the star’s favorite foods?

Cher has expressed a particular fondness for fruits and vegetables, integrating them heavily into her diet. These food choices are a staple in her eating habits, as they contribute to her overall health, energy, and well-being.

Does Cher have any specific food she avoids for health reasons?

Cher specifically avoids high-fat foods and is particularly cautious about cheese, citing its high fat and cholesterol content and poor digestibility. Her diet excludes foods that she feels could detract from her health or energy levels.

How does Cher ensure her diet is balanced?

Cher’s diet is carefully composed mainly of plant-based foods, and she avoids processed and high-fat foods. She emphasizes the consumption of natural, whole foods to maintain a balanced diet that supports her energetic lifestyle.

What does Cher snack on throughout the day?

For snacks, Cher prefers simple, wholesome options like nuts and fresh fruits. These choices reflect her dietary philosophy of eating foods that are both nutritious and conducive to maintaining her health and vitality throughout her busy days.

Has Cher’s diet changed significantly over the years?

Over the years, Cher has increasingly embraced a plant-based diet, which now heavily emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and legumes while excluding most animal products and processed foods. This evolution reflects her ongoing commitment to health and longevity.

What impact has diet had on Cher’s health and appearance?

Cher attributes her sustained energy and youthful appearance largely to her diet, which is rich in plant-based, antioxidant-rich foods. She believes that her eating habits play a crucial role in her ability to maintain her health and vibrant energy as she ages.

What are this star’s thoughts on alcohol and other substances?

Cher is very cautious with substances like alcohol and drugs, choosing to consume alcohol only on rare occasions. She believes that avoiding these substances is key to her long-term health and wellness, a testament to her disciplined approach to maintaining her lifestyle.

The Mediterranean Diet. PHOTO: Stock image

VERDICT:

Cher’s meals most suitably match the Mediterranean Diet. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil, similar to Cher’s preference for plant-based foods, minimal dairy, and healthy fats. The Mediterranean Diet also aligns with her avoidance of red meat and processed foods, focusing instead on natural, nutrient-rich components.

Advertisement for Sonny & Cher’s single record in 1972. PHOTO: Cash Box

What The Experts Say About Cher’s Diet Choices

Rich in Antioxidants: Nutritionists often highlight that diets rich in fruits and vegetables, like Cher’s, are loaded with antioxidants. These compounds are crucial for fighting off oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to chronic diseases and aging.

Heart Health Benefits: Cher’s avoidance of high-fat dairy and red meat aligns well with recommendations for heart health. Experts say that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as the Mediterranean Diet, can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Digestive Health: By limiting dairy and processed foods, Cher’s diet may promote better digestive health. Nutritionists note that diets high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and legumes support regular digestion and can prevent common gastrointestinal issues.

Sustained Energy and Weight Management: The emphasis on whole, plant-based foods provides a stable source of energy. Experts point out that such diets are typically lower in calories but high in nutrients, which is ideal for maintaining a healthy weight.

Longevity and Overall Well-Being: Nutritionists often discuss the longevity benefits of a diet like Cher’s, which is very similar to the Mediterranean Diet known for its association with longer life spans. This dietary approach emphasizes foods that are beneficial for long-term health and wellness, potentially increasing lifespan.