Was Bob Marley Vegan or Vegetarian? What He Ate on a Rasta Diet

Was Bob Marley vegan or vegetarian? Fans of the Reggae King are curious as to what his eating habits were when he was still alive. Let's find out!

Was Bob Marley a Vegan or Vegetarian?

Credit: Paramount Pictures

Bob Marley was always speculated to be either a vegan or a vegetarian since he rarely ate meat. However, according to several sources, he may have been a vegetarian in his lifetime. Here's why.

Cindy Breakspeare, the mother of Marley's youngest son Damian, explained in several interviews that he does eat meat and occasionally "ate liver for strength."

Michael "Mikey Dan" Whyte was Marley's official chef on tour from 1973 to 1976. As a part of the Rastafarian organizations in Jamaica, Whyte also practices the Rasta diet.

"Bob was not a vegan," Whyte confirmed in a 2015 interview, "He liked fish, vegetables, grains, fruit juices, nut shakes, Irish Moss blends and various porridges."

Whyte added that the only things that Marley didn't eat were ice cream or any commercial pastry.

It is worth mentioning that even though Bob Marley was raised as a Catholic, he found interest in Rastafari beliefs in the 1960s. Once he returned to Jamaica, he formally converted to Rastafari.

But what exactly is the "Rasta diet"? What were the do's and don'ts in the food pyramid for Bob Marley?

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Bob Marley's Rasta Diet Explored: What He Ate

Credit: Paramount Pictures

Rastafarian followers of Jah (God) have a particular way of eating, which is called "ital." This Rasta diet involves eating "fresh, organic and preferably homegrown produce."

It also refers to the "oneness and unity of life" which should be free from any form of chemicals and in most cases, dairy-free.

Any other processed or tinned food would be considered "contaminated" by preservatives and additional ingredients, which are off limits to those who practice Rastafarian philosophy.

Instead of adding salt, herbs, and spices are encouraged to use in enhancing the aromas and flavors of the food.

When the Rastafarian diet is taken to the extreme, alcohol would be forbidden as it grows on vines.

The Rasta cuisine also happens to exclude any form of meat as they are considered to be "dead food." Consuming meat would "turn the body into a cemetery."

The food choices for Rasta appear to be based on the Holy Scriptures, specifically following this passage from Genesis: "And God said, Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food." (Genesis 1:29).

Unfortunately, the Reggae King died in May 1981 in his mid-30s due to Melanoma, a form of cancer that he got after having his skin often exposed to the sun.

With Secret Invasion and Barbie star Kingsley Ben-Adir about to grace the big screen as Bob Marley in the One Love biopic, it's only a matter of time before we find out more about the legendary musician and introduce the artist to a new generation of fans.

Check out the official synopsis for Bob Marley: One Love below:

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob's powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.

Bob Marley: One Love is set to premiere in theatres on February 14.

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