Fearne Cotton, the former children’s television presenter, has announced a significant dietary change, prompting strong reactions from the vegan community. After years of adhering to a vegan lifestyle, she has started incorporating eggs and cheese into her meals due to the lasting effects of a severe eating disorder she experienced in her twenties.
The 44-year-old, who has long advocated for veganism and authored the successful cookbook Happy Vegan, expressed her need for flexibility in her diet to maintain her well-being. In a candid video shared on Instagram, Cotton acknowledged that her decision has upset some of her vegan followers, stating, “Some people, and I totally get it, vegans out there are f***** off that I’m eating eggs and cheese again.”
Balancing Health and Lifestyle Choices
Fearne’s admission comes as she reflects on her journey with her eating disorder, which she described as “pretty severe.” She emphasized the importance of remaining flexible with her food choices to avoid becoming overly regimented, a practice she believes is crucial for her mental health. “I have to remain flexible with food. That is a big one for me,” she stated, indicating that her dietary adjustments are part of a broader strategy for recovery.
Despite the backlash, Cotton reassured her audience that her primary diet remains plant-based. She noted that her consumption of animal products is infrequent and typically occurs in social settings, such as during her travels. “I’m just a single person doing my thing,” she remarked, underlining her autonomy in making health-related decisions.
In a reflective moment, she also addressed the broader implications of her choices, stating, “You cannot please everyone… not everyone’s going to like you or your decisions.” This sentiment resonates with her own experiences, especially as she confronts the challenges of public perception in the face of personal struggle.
Opening Up About Mental Health
Fearne Cotton has been open about her mental health struggles, particularly surrounding her battle with bulimia and depression. On World Mental Health Day in 2023, she urged her followers to be compassionate towards themselves, sharing insights about her recovery journey. She recalled moments when she thought she would never find joy again, stating, “Did I think in the depths of bulimia that I would recover? Nope.”
Her message of hope is clear: recovery is possible. “I have recovered and I do experience joy,” she affirmed, adding that it remains essential to remind herself of this progress as anxiety can often lead to obsessive thought patterns.
Fearne’s candidness about her mental health journey not only sheds light on her personal challenges but also highlights the importance of support and understanding in the face of eating disorders. For those struggling with similar issues, she encouraged reaching out for help, directing them to the SEED eating disorder support service at 01482 718130 or their website.
As Fearne Cotton navigates her evolving lifestyle and health needs, she continues to inspire many with her honesty and resilience, reminding us all of the complexities of personal health decisions.
