We're Deeply Concerned About Gwyneth Paltrow's Almond Mom Diet
Gwyneth Paltrow has made a mostly graceful transition from screen star to cookbook author and lifestyle guru, but she's attracted a good bit of negative press for her approach to that lifestyle over the years. Paltrow's Goop brand has been in the news and the courts on more than one occasion for making "scientific" claims about products that could not be corroborated or adequately supported by evidence.
The latest backlash against Paltrow comes in the wake of a recent interview, where the actress discussed her personal health and wellness. In the video, Paltrow talked about her eating and exercise habits. Social media was not pleased and has accused Paltrow of being an "almond mom" — a mother who promotes disordered eating in her children by pushing her own fitness and dieting habits on them. Paltrow has defended her remarks, but TikTok isn't having it.
How bad is her advice? Let's take a look at what she eats on a regular day. Gwyneth Paltrow noted that she generally eats dinner early and does a "nice intermittent fast" (presumably from dinner until the next morning). She has lunch around noon, drinks black coffee in the morning, and tries to avoid "anything that would spike [her] blood sugar" (giving no evidence of actual breakfast).
Bone broth is not a meal
Paltrow initially stated that she "really like[s] soup for lunch," then clarified that the soup is actually bone broth (which provoked particular concern from dietician and TikToker Lauren Cadillac). Paltrow usually gets an hour or so of exercise and some sauna in the afternoon, and then dinner is "paleo," which she referred to as "lots and lots of vegetables" without further elaboration. But the crème de la (anti) crème? Paltrow wrapped up by saying: "It's really important for me to support my detox." That comment left a lot of Tiktokers scratching their heads in disbelief. "What's she detoxing from? Fasting?" wondered one, as another speculated, "I was kinda wondering how long that detox lasts? Years? And detoxing from what exactly? Life?"
@feelgooddietitian #duet with @dearmedia #gwynethpaltrow this isnt #wellness this is DISORDERED. THIS IS NOT ENOUGH FOOD especially for someone that is 5'9" Please stop following and listening to celebrities for your health and wellness advice. #disorderedeating #disorderedbehaviour #orthorexia #intuitiveeating #foodfreedom
It's no joke; Paltrow's diet certainly doesn't sound like enough to sustain her. The meals she outlines represent highly restrictive eating: Black coffee has zero calories and bone broth has around 40 per cup. Unspecified quantities of vague vegetables are hard to assess, but it doesn't sound like Paltrow is getting anywhere near the daily calorie count she'd need as a 5'9", fifty-year-old woman. One TikToker noted that Paltrow's skin reveals that her health is being compromised by her diet and couldn't believe that she was sharing her dangerous habits as if they were normal.
The verdict is clear: The Paltrow approach is not part of a healthy lifestyle. Please, don't try this at home.
If you need help with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA's Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).