What Usher Really Eats In A Day

Superstar Usher is one of the most successful musical artists in history. The R&B singer has a slew of top hits, multiple movie appearances, his own fashion line, and, of course, the hearts of many millennials securely in his pocket. Hits like "Yeah!" and "My Boo" still play on our radios — and in our minds — on repeat. In 2024, millions will tune in to watch him perform live at the Super Bowl. "He's a great singer/dancer/entertainer and has the hits catalog to back it up," said a fan on a Reddit thread discussing the NFL's choice of performer. "A solid choice."

All of this recent hype surrounding the talented singer we have listened to (and crushed on) for years has brought some relevant questions to mind. We can't deny that the 45-year-old has done an immaculate job keeping in shape over the years, maintaining his health and energy to such a degree that he can still crush it on stage for a stadium full of screaming fans. 

How does Usher, fully known as Usher Raymond IV, seem to be aging like fine wine? Well, since diet plays such a major role in our overall well-being, we have to ask ourselves: just what is the famous singer eating to keep himself so active and successful? We dug into articles, interviews, and news reports to find out what's on this star's plate to give you a look at what Usher really eats in a day.

According to Statista, an estimated 4% of the U.S. population is vegan, while another 5% of Americans are vegetarians. Vegans consume zero meat, including any animal byproducts such as cheese, yogurt, or eggs, though vegetarians are often okay with consuming dairy and eggs. Though some are shocked by or even choose to mock this exclusively plant-based diet, the many health benefits of veganism are starting to become more widely known. Netflix docuseries "You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment" centered on the differences between vegan and meat-heavy diets, bringing much attention to this growing and often highly-debated lifestyle choice.

Yet another surge of publicity for veganism has come from what many might consider to be a rather unexpected source: Usher. That said, he does admit that he has gone in and out of sticking to the plant-focused eating plan for years. While he sometimes adheres to it less strictly than others — admitting he does still eat chicken and beef on occasion — he has kept plant-based proteins and meals at the fore to counteract common health issues like high blood pressure, clogged arteries, and other negative conditions that are associated with consuming large amounts of meat. Regardless of how you feel about veganism, everything in moderation is hardly a bad mantra to live by, and Usher certainly seems to agree.

Everyone loves a good, juicy burger that's smothered in melty cheese. But what happens if you're avoiding meat? Is it still possible to indulge in the popular dish that many of us find so comforting and delicious? Thankfully, due to the growth in both vegetarianism and veganism over the past few years, the options for meat-free burger lovers are becoming more numerous. And Usher, who has been so public about his push toward a plant-based diet, has found a vegan restaurant in Georgia that serves up a stellar vegan burger called the "Ménage à Trois."

The "Ménage à Trois" can be found on the menu of The Slutty Vegan, a Black- and woman-owned eatery run by Pinky Cole and based in Atlanta, Georgia that started its journey as a food truck, eventually outgrowing its wheels to become a brick-and-mortar spot with multiple locations in Atlanta and beyond. The restaurant's multi-layer beast of a sandwich utilizes a plant-based patty topped with vegan shrimp, bacon, cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, and a secret sauce, all placed in a vegan bun. The "Ménage à Trois" sounds like a slam dunk, even if you're not following a plant-based diet. Usher brought some serious publicity to the restaurant after chowing down on one in 2019 and sang its praises (pun intended) on Instagram. We must admit, our mouths are watering just thinking about it.

We have to assume that going out on stage in front of thousands, sometimes millions, of people must be at least slightly nerve-wracking. Therefore, we'd also assume that every performer has a set of practices to prepare themselves before going out in front of an audience. In the case of Usher, this routine reportedly involves working out, prayer, and, sometimes, a dash of cognac.

"Before, it's a sip," the singer told The Cut. "Afterward, it's a gulp." Usher also divulged that his number one drink of choice is cognac crafted by French company Rémy Martin. The singer's love for the hard beverage is such that he has landed a partnership with the company. Over the years, Rémy Martin and Usher have sponsored After Party tasting experiences for fans after his concerts, as well as creative cocktails and, recently, a bizarre yet equally awesome-sounding A.I. encounter with the singer. Delicious drinks and virtual reality Usher? We're intrigued.

Usher has not only made a notable career in music for himself, but he has excelled in the film sector, as well. "The Faculty," "She's All That," and "Light It Up" are just a few of the movies in which the singer has been featured, but perhaps his most famous and difficult role was that of boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in 2016 film "Hands Of Stone." Getting prepared for his time in the movie involved lots of mental and physical prep that helped Usher get into what he described as the best shape of his life.

To embody Sugar Ray Leonard, Usher said that he followed the "Matrix" diet, which employs significant amounts of lean protein and very low levels of carbohydrates for optimum muscle development and fat loss. "When you're playing a role like this, you can't act a boxer. The only way you know what it is to be a boxer is to be one," Usher told People in 2016. He further divulged that he focused on five to six small meals a day to achieve his look in the film, while also taking on an intensive workout schedule. 

What was on the menu specifically? A lot of fish, blueberries, and pistachios, he clarified. While this may seem to be a rather random assortment, it certainly helped him achieve his goal, as Usher got down to what was, for him, a rather unbelievable 146 pounds for the role.

Though it seems that Usher focuses on eating clean overall, he will occasionally enjoy classic soul food. That's especially true when it comes to supporting small businesses when he's featured at a music festival. Take the case of when Usher was one of the headliners at The Dreamville Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2023. Thousands of people flooded into the city to hear their favorite artists perform — and, subsequently, shop and dine in the area. One restaurant in particular received the business boost of a lifetime. 

The staff of Big Ed's Restaurant, a Southern-style eatery in Raleigh, were likely in shock when Usher showed up at their front door ready to eat. "It was awesome. I love the fact that he supports local businesses because you know, he didn't have to come here," Cam Goodson, who owns a beauty parlor across the street from Ed's, told local outlet ABC11. She described how her patrons instantly leaped out of their chairs, running to her salon's windows to catch a glimpse of the beloved singer. 

At Big Ed's, Usher reportedly dined on hotcakes, eggs, and fried catfish before he took a photo with the jubilant workers. The restaurant saw an almost immediate increase in sales after the star-studded visit. While we're certain the Big Ed's staff was extremely grateful, we're also sure that Usher was, too. Nothing quite hits the spot like good Southern-style cooking, after all.