What Reba McEntire Really Eats In A Day

Country music star Reba McEntire released her very first single in 1976, and music has never been the same. Her powerful and distinct voice has blared from our television sets to the radios in our cars for over 40 years, bringing in countless fans worldwide, a slew of musical awards, and a title as "The Queen of Country." While there's no denying that the red-headed singer is an absolute titan in the music world, Reba has also had a notable career in the film and TV industry. From voice acting to starring and supporting roles to becoming a reality television star most recently on "The Voice," it often feels like Reba McEntire is everywhere. 

She hardly seems to have slowed down as far as her raging career, and we can't help but wonder ... how does she do it? How does she stay healthy and energetic enough to appear so regularly and glamorously in front of her multitude of fans? Considering what you put into your body plays such a major role in your overall health, we have to ask ourselves: What has Reba been eating all these years while dominating the entertainment industry? We did a little digging on the celebrated country singer to find out. Here's what Reba McEntire really eats in a day.

Who doesn't love a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? With carbohydrates from the bread, protein from the peanut butter, and a hint of sugar from the spreadable jam, the classic American sandwich makes for a filling and pretty well-rounded meal. But is it well-rounded enough to be considered a dinner entree? Apparently yes for singer Reba McEntire.

In a 2015 Facebook post, the star uploaded a photo of an opened can of pork and beans, a container of green olives, a beer, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a bite taken out of it. "Don't be jealous," the description reads, "And don't judge me! I had a rough day." This was followed up with a smiley-face emoji — the perfect ending to a post that so many of the responding users found refreshingly real. "It's nice to see someone else having a bad day that grabs what's in front of them," reads one of the comments, and we have to say, we concur with the sentiment. The idea that the Queen of Country can throw together a quick, simple sandwich just like the rest of us is rather reassuring.

Quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, salsas, tortilla chips, refried beans ... these Mexican-style foods are enough to make anyone's mouth water, and Reba McEntire is no exception. While the singer sticks to a fairly clean diet most of the time, she enjoys a good cheat day every bit as much as the next person. In an interview with People, she stated that Mexican food was her number-one choice for a decadent meal. "I love Mexican food," she stated, going on to reference chips, salsa, guacamole, and chicken enchiladas specifically.

Reba doesn't only get her Mexican food kick when she dines out; as a gifted home cook, she often prepares her very own spicy, flavorful, Southwestern-style meals at home. Among the celebrated dishes is her Mexican cornbread, one of her favorite foods to prepare for a Sunday meal, she told Parade. "I make a bean dish with turkey meat and corn and green beans and pinto beans, and then I make a Mexican cornbread, which is kind of spicy. I love that, and if you put a little fried potatoes in there and a big old glass of iced tea, I'm a happy camper." We can see why. The whole description has our mouths watering ... especially the idea of pairing Mexican spice with the sweetness of traditional Southern-style baked cornbread. 

Everyone on Earth has a specific fast food weakness. Maybe it's a Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich or a Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme. But Reba's absolute favorite fast food indulgence comes from — wait for it — Sonic Drive-In. The classic drive-thru-style burger chain houses the Queen of Country's ultimate fast food favorite; a selection so highly coveted, that the singer claims it is the one thing she would choose to eat before she died. 

During a question-and-answer session with Country Music Television, Reba selected a card asking: "What is your death row meal?" Without skipping a beat, the star answered: "Sonic #1 cheeseburger. No onions, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, whatever." She paused briefly for effect, smiled, and looked directly into the camera as she finished: "Pickles, and tater tots." 

This is hardly the first time Reba has called out Sonic for its deliciousness. In an interview on "Late Night With Seth Meyers," when asked about a recipe for tater tots, Reba answered: "You get in your car, and you put it in reverse. Get out of the garage and drive down the road and you find your nearest Sonic ... Pull into one of them little slots and you push that red button and you say, 'Can I have me some tater tots?'" The cheeky comment made the audience howl, and likely, begin craving some Sonic tater tots too.

Let's face it; our bodies need water, and a whole lot of it. Around 50 to 70 % of our body weight comes from the life-giving liquid, so adequate water intake is associated with the normal function of all the body's organs, tissues, and cells. In addition, proper water intake has been linked to skin vitality as we age, resulting in fewer wrinkles and visible marks such as scars, as well as better elasticity. One can hardly look at Reba McEntire without acknowledging the beautiful glow her skin maintains. We wonder ... could this be due to her water intake?

It's very likely. In her 2015 WebMD interview, the singer reportedly divulged that water intake was an important part of her lifestyle and that her secret for staying hydrated included consuming both aloe vera juice and coconut water. Coconut water is as hydrating as regular water but contains several nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and antioxidants. It seems that McEntire even managed to get her mom on board with the healthy beverage. "I can't get my mama to drink enough water," the singer posted to her social media pages in 2014, finishing with: "But she loves coconut water. So for those of you who don't like to drink water, try this. It's very hydrating." Given Reba's vitality and stunning complexion, we don't think she will have any problem convincing people to give it a go.

Reba's love of food is no secret. Her original recipes have been circulating for years, and in 2023, she released her very own book titled, "Not That Fancy." While the New York Times bestseller features stories about McEntire's life and music and countless incredible photographs giving glimpses into her incredible journey, it also includes plenty of her favorite recipes. Creative cheeses and homemade burger descriptions can be found on the pages of the bestseller, but Reba declares one recipe in particular as the winner of the bunch.

Any certified Southerner knows that a good old-fashioned family meal calls for cornbread. And Reba, an Oklahoma native through and through, certainly knows how to set the table for a collective get-together with her made-famous homemade pinto beans and cornbread. "This is hands-down my favorite food," she says in the book under the instructions for the feel-good dish. "I've loved pinto beans and cornbread forever. And I still love them. This is the 'fancy' version we make at the restaurant, but you don't need a fancy occasion to enjoy them." She is, of course, referring to her restaurant Reba's Place, where the dish has been on the menu in the past. But those not local to Atoka, Oklahoma, where the restaurant is planted, can now partake in one of the star's favorite foods thanks to "Not That Fancy." We might just have to hit "add to cart" on this book ourselves.