Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley has opened up about what one major lifestyle change did for her health
Legendary actress Dame Joanna Lumley opened up about the benefits of making a major dietary change, even though she struggled at first to get used to it. The 79-year-old star, known best for her iconic performances in Absolutely Fabulous and Amandaland, admitted that switching to a meat-free diet proved ‘awful’ at first, but had its perks.
During an appearance on the Waitrose-sponsored Dish podcast alongside Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett, she looked back on those early challenges. Speaking in 2025, she said: “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?'”
Having embraced vegetarianism since the late 1970s, the performer is a passionate champion of environmental responsibility and animal rights. Fortunately, she said that an increased awareness of plant-based eating has significantly improved her and fellow vegetarians’ experiences, as previously reported by Surrey Live.
Despite this progress, Joanna continues to feel genuinely grateful when hosts accommodate her food preferences. She said: “I like raw things very much, like salads and stuff. I’m so touched when anybody’s done anything vegetarian for me.”
Approximately 6.1 million Brits have adopted vegetarianism as of 2025, according to research from Finder. This total comprises 5.2% who were already following a meat-free diet (around 2.8 million people) plus 6.3% intending to embrace vegetarian eating habits this year – adding another 3.4 million to the figure.
Joanna has gained recognition for her vegetarian lifestyle, generally opting for lighter dishes and modest portions instead of substantial meals. Back in 2021, she attributed her well-being to her plant-based diet, stating that she’s ‘never ill’ – though she conceded that making the leap to full veganism proved difficult.
She said at the time: “I’ve been a vegetarian for more than 40 years and I’m never ill. The diet I love best is: eat stuff, mostly vegetables, not too much. And exercise? I have a tall thin house and I run up and down the stairs a lot!”
During an appearance on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware, she explained: “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.”
What health benefits does a vegetarian diet offer?
Studies show that a largely plant-based diet may offer health benefits and is associated with lower rates of obesity. For those looking to slim down, it could also lead to greater weight loss, though this depends on individual circumstances.
Vegetarian meals tend to be high in fibre, which supports digestive health and may boost the immune system. This could be one of the reasons why Joanna’s claim of “never getting ill” may not be mind over matter.
The wide variety of fruits and vegetables in a vegetarian diet are packed with antioxidants that help protect cells from harm. That said, whether people follow a vegetarian diet or not, maintaining a balanced approach to eating is essential to ensure they get all the nutrients they need and keep their immune system strong.
Before making any major dietary changes, it’s recommended to speak with your doctor to work out whether they’re suitable for you. People with certain medical conditions may find restrictive diets difficult to maintain long-term without potentially missing out on essential nutrients.
For people wanting advice on how to follow a vegetarian diet in the healthiest way possible, the NHS has a guide on its website which details how to ensure people get all the necessary nutrients needed. Find out more here.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
