Gwyneth Paltrow Reflects on Her Evolving Diet: From Paleo to Pasta, Finding a Balanced Approach to Eating

Gwyneth Paltrow, the 52-year-old actress and founder of Goop, is known for her commitment to health and wellness—but her journey with food has evolved. After years of sticking strictly to the paleo diet and anti-inflammatory foods, the Iron Man star is now embracing more balance in her meals, including indulging in sourdough bread, cheese, and even pasta. In a candid conversation on her The Goop Podcast on April 22, Paltrow opened up about how she has loosened the reins on her restrictive eating habits and found a more sustainable, enjoyable way to nourish her body.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Shift from Hardcore Dieting to Embracing Moderation

Paltrow, who previously made headlines for her strict paleo regimen, admitted on the podcast that she’s “sick of it”—referring to the stringent dietary rules she followed for years. She explained that she and her husband, Brad Falchuk, had committed to the paleo lifestyle a few years ago, but she has recently allowed herself certain indulgences she once avoided. “I’m a little sick of it — if I’m honest — and getting back into eating some sourdough bread and some cheese,” Paltrow confessed.

She even noted the joy of enjoying “a little pasta” after being strict with her food choices for so long, signaling a shift toward a more balanced and realistic approach to food. This admission comes as a breath of fresh air for those who may have found themselves caught in the pressures of extreme diet trends, especially given Paltrow’s long-standing influence on wellness culture.

From Macrobiotics to Moderation: A Journey of Balance

While paleo and anti-inflammatory diets were part of Paltrow’s routine, she also shared that there was a period where she “went into hardcore macrobiotics”—a diet that emphasizes eating whole, organic foods and eliminating certain food groups. Reflecting on that phase, Paltrow admitted she became “obsessed” with the idea of eating extremely healthily, particularly in an attempt to “heal her dad [Bruce Paltrow] by proxy” after his battle with cancer. However, she quickly realized that her obsession with healthy eating wasn’t the answer to everything.

“I think I was just so amazed that we had this power in our hands, you know, that if we treated ourselves well and hydrated and ate whole foods that we could just feel so much better,” she explained. “I was sort of intoxicated by that idea, and I still feel that way to this day.”

However, as she grew older and became more attuned to her body, Paltrow realized that extreme dietary restrictions weren’t sustainable for her long-term health. Instead, she now views healthy eating as a “template” for her life, focusing on the quality of the food she consumes, but not limiting herself from the pleasures of eating.

Criticism of Her Previous Diet: A Response to Backlash

In 2023, Paltrow faced significant criticism after sharing a detailed look at her daily eating habits, which included bone broth for lunch and lots of vegetables for dinner on The Art of Being Well Podcast. This prompted backlash from some, including model Tess Holliday and Meghan McCain, who called out the diet for potentially normalizing under-eating. Dietician Lauren Cadillac also criticized the meal plan, suggesting that it was “not enough food” for someone of Paltrow’s height and stature.

Paltrow responded to the criticism by clarifying that her diet was “not meant to be advice for anybody else”. She explained that the discussion was a transparent conversation with her doctor regarding chronic health issues she was addressing, including high levels of inflammation.

“It’s really just what has worked for me, and it’s been very powerful and very positive,” she said, reinforcing that her experiences with food were personal and not intended to serve as a template for others.

In an effort to set the record straight, Paltrow also added that she “eats full meals” and enjoys foods like French fries on occasion. “I also have a lot of days of eating whatever I want,” she continued, emphasizing that her baseline approach to eating is rooted in “calming the system down” and nourishing her body.

The Impact of Paltrow’s Evolving Diet on Her Health and Lifestyle

While Paltrow’s commitment to whole, fresh foods remains at the core of her diet, she is no longer following extreme restrictions. By embracing balance—allowing herself foods she enjoys, like bread, cheese, and pasta—she has found a more sustainable way to manage her health.

In addition to adjusting her diet, Paltrow continues to prioritize mental and physical well-being, focusing on reducing long-term inflammation while allowing room for enjoyment. She credits her newfound approach with providing a sense of freedom and flexibility that supports both her mental and physical health.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Advice: Embrace Balance, Not Perfection

As Paltrow moves away from the extreme diets she once adhered to, her message to her followers is clear: balance is key. Whether it’s embracing the occasional indulgence or simply focusing on foods that nourish the body, she believes that it’s important to listen to your body and adopt an approach that feels sustainable.

Paltrow’s evolving diet is a reflection of her own journey toward self-acceptance and wellness. Through trial and error, she has come to understand that the best way to nourish her body is not through perfection, but through balance—a lesson she now shares with her followers.