Explainer / What is the macrobiotic diet loved by Hollywood celebs? Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Uma Thurman, Alicia Silverstone and Sting follow its holistic principles for glowing skin and better health

Jan 2 , 2024

The macrobiotic diet incorporates a variety of whole foods, but why are celebrities sold on it, and does it really work? Photo: Getty Images

Tired of fad diets? Enter macrobiotics: a system of holistic principles that guides nutrition and lifestyle – and it’s even been credited as sparking the local, organic food movements in the US

While there are general rules, meals are prepared fresh according to the principle of balance, and are customisable according to where you are – perfect for Hollywood celebs who are always on the go

Lights, camera, action! Hollywood stars spend much of their time in front of the cameras and on the red carpet, so it’s no surprise that many of them have dedicated beauty and fitness routines.

US actress Uma Thurman attends the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, in March 2022. Photo: AFP

We often make the mistake of thinking that they use unattainable skincare products or even go under the knife to look youthful, but the key is in a good exercise plan and an ideal eight-hour rest. Food is also essential since the skin will appear radiant and clear with a balanced diet. One of Quentin Tarantino’s favourite actresses, cult classic Pulp Fiction star Uma Thurman, has shared that her diet consists of whole and natural foods only.

Why do celebrities swear by the macrobiotic diet?

There’s a plethora of diet trends that come and go, and celebrities are usually pretty quick to jump in on the season’s latest fad. While some A-listers stick to fresh, unprocessed foods to stay healthy, others pick up on some bizarre diets that may not be backed by scientific research. From Beyoncé’s “master cleanse” to Katy Perry’s mushroom-rich diets, each type clearly provides different benefits, but we should probably take them all with a grain of star-dusted salt.

Many Hollywood celebs stick to eating a healthy and balanced diet to keep in shape. Photo: Shutterstock

But one diet seems to be a common denominator in Hollywood – the macrobiotic diet. Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow has said that she lives by it – and she’s not the only one.

Pop icon Madonna also sticks to a macrobiotic diet on most days, incorporating beans, nuts and veggies like broccoli, kale, pumpkin, radishes and carrots. Sea vegetables like seaweed, spirulina and kombu are also on the menu since these cancer-fighting, water-dwelling plants are considered some of the world’s healthiest foods.

Marine products such as sea salt, dried seaweed and dried fish are part of the macrobiotic repertoire. Photo: Reuters

Madonna’s diet also includes “a lot of fish”, per Body Building, but she avoids eating meat and dairy. Her choices of beverages seem to be coconut water, ginger and yerba tea, and she avoids sodas, alcohol and caffeine.

According to Life & Style, the “Material Girl” herself said, “I wasn’t born with Gisele Bündchen’s body, so you got to work for it.” The former Victoria’s Secret model puts in her own fair share of hard work, to be fair.