“I tried going all-in Vegetarian”: Robert Downey Jr., Who Has Undergone Major Body Transformation, Feels Vegan Diet is Not For Him

Robert Downey Jr. shares his eating habits, and how he started on a pescatarian diet to have a healthy balance in life.

Robert Downey Jr. has become one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood. From playing Iron Man in the MCU to playing Lewis Strauss in the Oscar-winning movie Oppenheimer, the actor has had quite a few fruitful years in the last decade. Other than his acting ventures, Downey Jr. has been keeping himself busy with other things as well. From his coffee table book to his car restoration business to his production company, RDJ has his fingers in quite a few avenues.

Robert Downey Jr. recently won an Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer | Universal Pictures

For his role as Iron Man, the actor went through major transformation. Even at the age of 54, when his last outing as the superhero came with Avengers: Endgame in 2019, he managed to get into prime shape with his healthy habits – including healthy eating. In his coffee table book Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time, which RDJ wrote alongside journalist Thomas Kostigen, the actor made some revelations about his personal journey through food.

Robert Downey Jr. Sets The Rumors Straight

Robert Downey Jr.’s book Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time is a pretty easy read for anyone. It has some pretty tasty recipes, as well as RDJ’s own experience pertaining to food and healthy eating. The actor also imparts some words of wisdom through his journey to his readers.

Now, at the age of 59, the actor is ready to share his way of life with his fans and give them an insight into how he manages to go through life with his eating habits. He wrote in the book via eatingwell.com: I tried going all-in vegetarian—even vegan—but it just doesn’t work for me. Without some animal protein, I find myself with low levels of vitamin B12, calcium, iodine and iron. These are common deficiencies that can result from vegan diets.

While many thought RDJ might join the latest trend of going vegan, and become the newest promoter of this lifestyle, with his book, he proved them wrong.

The rumors are true: I’m a pescatarian. That means I eat fish every now and again… Yes, in case you are wondering, I do actually need the iron that animal protein provides.

The actor admitted that he tried going vegan, but it wasn’t for him. So he incorporated seafood into his diet, which suits him much better. And he is healthier for it. Even at this age, he is in shape and ready to take on the world of superheroes once more with his return to the MCU.

Robert Downey Jr. Returns to The MCU As Doctor Doom

During the recently held San Diego Comic-Con, Kevin Feige had a few surprises for the fans. During the Marvel panel, he revealed the return of the Russo Brothers to Marvel Studios, who will helm the next two Avengers movies – The Doomsday and Secret Wars. While that was a pleasant surprise for many, the biggest revelation came when Joe and Anthony Russo introduced “the greatest actor in the world,” who will be playing Victor Von Doom.

Robert Downey Jr. is now Doctor Doom [Credit: Comic Con | Marvel Entertainment/ YouTube]

Taking off his Doctor Doom mask in front of the Hall H audience, Robert Downey Jr. made his signature flashy entrance to the excitement of the whole fandom. Taking the mic from the director duo, he said: New mask. Same task. What did I tell ya, I like playing complicated characters. 

Many fans had been wanting to have Downey Jr. back in the fold. While some wanted him to come back as a variant of Iron Man, some also speculated if he could play Victor Von Doom. He had initially auditioned for the role back in the early 2000s Fantastic Four movie, which also saw Chris Evans as the Human Torch. And although he did not get selected then, his time has definitely come now.

Avengers: Doomsday is all set to premiere on May 1, 2026.