Nutritionists Label Gwyneth Paltrow’s Unique Diet as “Disordered”

By: Lauren Fokas | Published: Feb 15, 2024

Gwyneth Paltrow has been one of the world’s favorite actresses for more than two decades, but in recent years, her career has changed course, and she now focusing on promoting wellness and healthy living. 

However, the superstar is under scrutiny as she explained her “healthy” diet during a podcast interview. And experts are arguing it’s not only unhealthy; it’s actually an example of disordered eating.

“The Art of Being Well” with Dr. Will Cole

During an interview with Dr. Will Cole for his podcast “The Art of Being Well,” Paltrow described her general diet

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Promotional poster for the Spotify podcast “The Art of Being Well” with Dr. Will Cole

Source: @TheArtofBeingWell/Spotify

And the diet has many medical professionals concerned as it doesn’t meet the necessary daily caloric intake or even contain enough protein or carbohydrates to get through the day. 

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Typical Day

Paltrow reported that, like most people, she starts her day with a cup of coffee. But she also noted that coffee is all she has until she breaks her fast at midday.

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Black coffee in a small while mug on a wooden table

Source: Freepik

Intermittent fasting has become a popular diet trend in recent years, and technically, it’s not unhealthy to only have coffee until noon. It’s really the rest of Paltrow’s diet that experts have an issue with.

After Coffee, Gwyneth Works Out

The wellness guru then went on to explain that after her coffee, she typically works out for about an hour. 

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Woman smiling as she runs on a treadmill in an empty gym

Source: Freepik

Again, an hour is not an excessive amount of exercise. But those who want to follow Gwyenth’s daily plan should know that working out without any caloric intake could cause stress on the body and even lead to dizziness or fainting. 

A Lunch of Broth

Paltrow then told Dr. Cole that she often has bone broth for lunch, which certainly contains numerous nutrients but has no protein or carbohydrates.

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Small pot of bone broth on a chopping board surrounded by ingredients

Source: Freepik

Then, for dinner, Paltrow follows a paleo diet, meaning she consumes lean meats, vegetables, fish, or nuts and seeds.

What’s the Problem with Gwyneth Paltrow’s Diet?

When breaking down Gwyneth’s daily food intake, the first thing that a medical professional would note is that it doesn’t have nearly enough calories to sustain a healthy human body.

Table with the various food groups, including meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables, and carbohydrates

Source: Freepik

Nutritionist Aliza Marogy explained, “Paltrow’s diet — as she has described it — is highly restrictive and lacking in calories and nutrients, and what is particularly concerning is that this disordered way of eating is being presented as healthy.”

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The Body Needs a Variety of Nutrients to Thrive

Marogy continued, “[Paltrow’s diet] lacks fiber for gut and heart health, protein for maintaining muscle and bone and making enzymes and hormones, as well as sources of minerals that are essential for immunity and brain health.”

Photograph taken from above of fresh fruit and vegetables

Source: Freepik

Of course, fruit, vegetables, and bone broth are great additions to a healthy diet, but experts believe that bodies need more to not only survive but truly thrive. 

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Paltrow Claimed Her Body Is “Not a Natural Detoxer”

During the interview, Paltrow also noted that her body is “not a natural detoxer” and, therefore, she implements “celery juice with lemon [or] lemon water” into her diet on a daily basis.

Pitcher and glass of lemon water outside on a picnic table

Source: Freepik

But medical professionals who heard Paltrow’s explanation of her body say that the self-proclaimed wellness expert is spreading possibly dangerous misconceptions about detoxification. 

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Bodies Were Made to Detox

Nutritionist Karen Reyes reported, “Our bodies have a natural detoxing system. Our kidneys and liver have been created to do all the clearing we need without fad diets or restrictive eating habits.”

Illustration of a doctor holding a kidney surrounded by data

Source: Freepik

So, essentially, Reyes is saying that Paltrow’s claim that her body is not a “natural detoxer” is simply untrue. 

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Disordered Eating Can Lead to Serious Health Problems

It’s important to understand that disordered or under-eating isn’t just detrimental to the body’s current physical health; it can also increase the chance of stroke, heart attack, or even cancer.

Woman sitting at a table with an empty plate in front of her

Source: Freepik

Reyes noted, “This [can] cause a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, restriction and detoxing for an extended period can deprive your body of essential vitamins like vitamin D,” and “Research also indicates that missing essential nutrients may increase your risk of developing cancer.”

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Since the Interview, Paltrow Has Explained She Eats More Than What She Described

After receiving an incredible amount of backlash from medical experts and the world as a whole, Paltrow took to Instagram to explain that she eats “far more than bone broth and vegetables.”

Screenshot of a photo from @gwynethpaltrow’s Instagram showing the star eating spaghetti

Source: @gwynethpaltrow/Instagram

The star said that she wasn’t trying to give “advice for anyone else.” Paltrow also noted, “I eat full meals, and I also have a lot of days of eating whatever I want. And eating, you know, french fries and whatever.”

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Don’t Follow a Celebrity Diet Blindly

Gwyneth Paltrow claims to promote a healthy lifestyle through food, exercise, and mental wellness. And while the star may have some great advice, it’s vital to understand that no one should simply follow a celebrity diet blindly.

Screenshot of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Instagram homepage

Source: @gwynethpaltrow/Instagram

It’s far more beneficial to take the advice of medical professionals. Most importantly, eat enough food, create a well-balanced diet, and, of course, do what is right for your body.

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