In a candid discussion on the Waitrose Dish podcast, Dame Joanna Lumley opened up about a dietary decision she made over fifty years ago that has transformed her life. Now 78, the actress—best known for her roles in Absolutely Fabulous and the Netflix hit Fool Me Once—reflected on her journey as a committed vegetarian, sharing how cutting meat from her diet has brought remarkable health benefits.
Lumley recalled the challenges she faced when she first adopted a vegetarian lifestyle back in the 1970s. “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?” she explained. Despite the initial difficulties and social awkwardness, she persevered with her choice, and over the years she has enjoyed improvements in skin health, cardiovascular well-being, and enhanced disease immunity, as reported by the Daily Record.
The star, who has long been a passionate advocate for sustainable living and animal rights, noted that the transition to a predominantly plant-based diet has become much easier over time. “I like raw things very much, like salads and stuff. I’m so touched when anybody’s done anything vegetarian for me,” she shared warmly, highlighting the growing support among both longtime vegetarians and newcomers to the lifestyle.
Lumley has maintained a balanced approach to her meals, favoring small, frequent snacks over large, heavy meals. In a recent conversation on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware, she admitted that while she is proud of her vegetarian journey, the thought of adopting a vegan diet still gives her pause. “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,” she declared, underscoring the personal challenges and compromises that come with further dietary restrictions.
Numerous studies support Lumley’s experience, linking vegetarian diets with a lower risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Increased fiber consumption, abundant antioxidants, and essential nutrients from plant-based foods not only promote better overall health but also contribute to a more radiant complexion.
As Dame Joanna Lumley continues to champion sustainable and ethical eating habits, her personal story serves as an inspiring reminder of how one can reap long-term health benefits by making thoughtful dietary choices—even when the early days seem overwhelmingly difficult.
