Everyone knows Joanna Lumley for her wit, talent, and sense of style. But did you know she credits her ongoing good health to a simple decision she made way back in the 1970s ? At a time when vegetarian diets were far from mainstream, Lumley made a bold choice : she gave up meat and fish entirely. According to Joanna herself, "I’ve never been ill," even after more than four decades of eating this way.
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It wasn’t a passing trend or a fashionable wellness fad that swayed her. Instead, it was conviction—an inner belief that such a diet suited her values and lifestyle. In those early days, however, this made social situations awkward. She explains how dinners at friends’ houses could quickly spiral into confusion : vegetarian options were rare, and well-intentioned hosts would nearly panic trying to prepare something “suitable”. The result ? Awkward meals and frequent culinary mishaps.
Joanna Lumley’s Vegetarian Lifestyle : A Simple Recipe for Wellbeing
So, what exactly does Joanna eat ? The answer might surprise you by its plainness. She prefers keeping it simple, filling her plate mostly with vegetables—steamed, grilled, or even raw. She’s especially fond of salads, often choosing raw and fresh options whenever possible. Far from demanding elaborate fare, she feels genuinely touched when someone goes the extra mile to prepare a vegetarian meal just for her.
Joanna has never felt the need to take things further into veganism, honestly admitting that her love of cheese has “held her back” from making that transition. Still, while she sees veganism as perhaps the “next step”, she’s happy with her vegetarian choices for now.
Never Ill After Four Decades : What’s the Secret ?
Joanna’s claim is striking : after all these years eating vegetarian, she claims, “I’ve never been ill”. While it’s impossible to argue with personal experience, she attributes much of her energy and wellbeing to consistently following her own food rules.
Interestingly, her lifestyle routines are just as down-to-earth as her food. Forget expensive personal trainers or boutique gyms. Joanna keeps in shape simply by making use of what’s around her—mainly, the stairs at home, which she climbs regularly, never feeling the urge for “fancy gym memberships or elaborate exercise classes.”
On the popular “Waitrose Dish” podcast, she opened up about the many awkward dinners she’s endured :
“People would panic and either do something that was so slapdash you couldn’t eat it, or else they really tried and that made you feel so grateful.”
Her attitude remains kind and light-hearted, showing gratitude for these sometimes-awkward attempts at kindness.
What Does Lumley’s Attitude Reveal About Wellness Today ?
The story of Joanna Lumley’s diet is more than just a tale of vegetables and healthy living. It’s a reminder that sticking to your own convictions—even when it’s unpopular—can have lasting benefits. Her relaxed, non-preachy approach contrasts sharply with today’s sometimes militant attitudes about food and health. Could her success be about prioritising enjoyment and gratitude over strict rules or trendy superfoods ?
Her vegetarian journey perhaps nudged society's views on plant-based eating forward a little faster. While Lumley doesn’t claim hers is the only path, she’s living proof that good health can go hand-in-hand with simplicity and conviction.
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Joanna Lumley says her long-term diet is key to her wellbeing
