Supermodel Miranda Kerr's highly restrictive "extreme biohacking diet," recently detailed on Kristin Cavallari's podcast, has drawn criticism from nutritionists and dietitians who warn it is not sustainable or healthy for the average person. The diet reportedly excludes a wide range of foods, including eggs, dairy, wheat, seed oils, rice, spinach, kale, and sushi.
Nutritionists expressed concern over the potential health implications of such significant food eliminations. Jess Baker, who holds an MS in nutritional science, suggested that adhering to such a diet could lead to constant fatigue, a poor mood, and digestive issues. Dietitian Sophia Deahl noted that while Kerr appears health-conscious, her diet is "very restrictive" and not a universal recommendation.
Deahl explained that eliminating entire food groups like bread, dairy, wheat, eggs, and seed oils could result in insufficient intake of essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, calcium, iron, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, potentially impacting overall energy levels. The restrictive nature of the diet also poses challenges for social situations, travel, and dining out, which could foster anxiety around food and lead to an "increasingly rigid relationship with eating."
Dr. Idrees Mughal, a lifestyle medicine doctor, went as far as to label the eating plan "disordered," cautioning against taking nutrition advice from celebrities. He stated that a healthy diet is not defined by food elimination or adherence to wellness trends.
While Deahl acknowledges that Kerr's diet includes whole foods, a variety of proteins, vegetables, and antioxidant-rich foods, and that eating before coffee can be beneficial for some, she emphasizes that the extreme restrictions are unnecessary for most. She suggests focusing on whole, minimally processed foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, quality proteins, and seafood, without automatically eliminating entire food groups unless medically advised.
Deahl advises against adopting such a diet based solely on a celebrity's example, highlighting that individual health needs, medical history, genetics, and medications all play a crucial role. For women in their 40s, she stresses the importance of a diet rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to support muscle mass, bone health, and metabolic function, particularly during perimenopause.
Instead of replicating Kerr's specific food exclusions, Deahl recommends focusing on the principles of consuming whole, minimally processed foods and a variety of plants. She also clarified that moderate consumption of fish like salmon, even multiple times a week, is beneficial due to its omega-3 content and relatively low mercury levels, and that avoiding most carbohydrates is unnecessary if choosing whole-food sources like oats, potatoes, beans, and fruits.Consulting a dietitian is recommended to identify individual sensitivities or inflammatory foods rather than implementing broad dietary restrictions.