For years, Mike Tyson’s sheer power and fierce punches made him an icon in the boxing ring. Fans have long been curious about his training, diet, and what he ate to build such strength. Over the years, Tyson’s diet has evolved, especially after he retired from boxing in 2005. While he once followed a strict vegan lifestyle, he’s now moved away from it, embracing a different approach to suit his current goals. Let’s dive into Tyson’s journey with veganism, his recent dietary changes, and the reasons behind his evolving food habits.
When Did Mike Tyson Go Vegan?
In a 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Tyson shared that he switched to a vegan diet in 2010. After years of a high-protein, steak-heavy diet and unhealthy lifestyle choices, he struggled with health issues. Tyson credits the vegan diet for transforming his health and helping him shed over 100 pounds. Reflecting on this period, Tyson said, “I lost weight. I dropped over 100lbs, and I just felt like changing my life, doing something different, and I became a vegan.”
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He found that veganism improved not only his physical health but also his quality of life. Tyson noted, “Becoming a vegan gave me another opportunity to live a healthy life. I was so congested from all the drgs and bad ccaine, I could hardly breathe… and once I became a vegan, all that stuff diminished.”
Why Did Tyson Quit the Vegan Diet?
Although Tyson followed a vegan diet for nearly a decade, he eventually transitioned back to eating animal products in 2020. His decision was tied to his return to the boxing ring for an exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. Preparing for this fight, Tyson felt the need to adjust his diet to support his intense training.
In a podcast conversation with Joe Rogan, Tyson shared that he began eating wild game meat, including elk and bison, to boost his strength. He explained, “I stopped [eating vegan food] because of the training… I only eat elk and bison—wild stuff—and I’m starting to feel fit… I realized the stuff that’s good for other people—like kale, vegetables, and blueberries—for me is really poisonous.”
Tyson’s Thoughts on Veganism Today
While he may have shifted back to eating animal products, Tyson still respects and appreciates veganism. His experience with the plant-based lifestyle left a lasting impression, and he often praises the health benefits he enjoyed as a vegan. This sentiment was clear when Tyson invested in a vegan food chain in October 2023. His holding company, Carma HoldCo, announced a strategic investment in Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So, a plant-based quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain with an innovative approach to vegan fast food.
Tyson expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Mr. Charlie’s is a natural choice for Carma HoldCo as we diversify into the food industry. I very much believe in the healthy benefits of a vegan diet and was a strict vegan for many years.”
What Does Mike Tyson Eat Now?
Today, Tyson’s diet is more flexible, as he incorporates high-quality, nutrient-dense animal products to support his fitness goals. During his training for the 2020 exhibition fight, Tyson shared that he preferred lean meats, particularly wild options like elk and bison, as they offered the strength and muscle tone he wanted to achieve. However, Tyson clarified in a Netflix interview that he doesn’t consume raw meat, as some speculated. He stated, “I would never eat no damn raw meat. My wife eats raw meat, but I don’t eat raw meat. The Japanese stuff, sushi.”
By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods that fuel his active lifestyle, Tyson’s current diet allows him to stay fit and strong, though it no longer aligns with his previous vegan practices.
Mike Tyson’s Investment in Vegan Fast Food: Mr. Charlie’s
In October 2023, Tyson made headlines by announcing his investment in Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So, a vegan fast-food chain that’s gaining popularity. His interest in the brand aligns with his belief in the health benefits of a plant-based diet, despite no longer following veganism strictly. Mr. Charlie’s offers unique vegan alternatives to traditional fast food, with menu items like “Not a Cheeseburger” and “Not a Chicken Sandwich,” designed to attract both vegans and curious eaters alike.
This investment signals Tyson’s enduring respect for veganism and his belief in the industry’s growth potential. Carma HoldCo, the parent company behind Tyson’s TYSON 2.0 brand, plans to expand Mr. Charlie’s reach, bringing vegan fast food to a wider audience globally.
FAQs on Mike Tyson’s Vegan Journey and Current Diet
When did Mike Tyson become a vegan?
Tyson adopted a vegan lifestyle in 2010 after facing health challenges from his previous diet, which included a lot of red meat and other unhealthy choices.
Is Mike Tyson still a vegan?
No, Tyson stopped following a vegan diet in 2020 to support his physical training and strength goals. He now includes meats like elk and bison in his diet.
Why did Tyson quit veganism?
Preparing for his 2020 exhibition match, Tyson felt a need for a high-protein, nutrient-rich diet to build strength, so he transitioned back to eating animal products.
Does Tyson eat raw meat?
No, Tyson clarified in a recent interview that he doesn’t eat raw meat, though he consumes other forms of animal protein.
What is Tyson’s involvement in the vegan food industry?
Tyson recently invested in Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So, a plant-based fast-food chain, indicating his ongoing support for veganism despite no longer following the lifestyle himself.
