Mike Tyson once said that being vegan gave him the opportunity to live a healthy life. He’d lost 100 pounds. He looked like a different human being. But if you’re looking at Mike today—especially after that high-profile showdown with Jake Paul—you might notice he looks a bit... different. Sturdier.
So, is Mike Tyson vegan right now?
The short answer: No. Honestly, he hasn't been for a few years.
While the "Iron Mike" of 2010 was all about blueberries and kale, the 2026 version of the champ has pivoted back to a diet that includes animal protein. It's a wild shift for someone who once claimed that eating meat made him feel "weighed down" and "congested."
Why Mike Tyson Walked Away from Veganism
Tyson originally went plant-based back in 2010. At the time, he was struggling. He was reportedly over 300 pounds, dealing with high blood pressure, and felt like he was "almost dying." For a solid decade, he was a poster child for the vegan movement. He even partnered with organizations like Last Chance for Animals.
But then came the comeback.
When Tyson decided to get back into the ring for exhibition matches—first against Roy Jones Jr. and later for the Jake Paul fight—his body started asking for something else. He told Joe Rogan during a podcast appearance that he had to stop the vegan diet because of the "strength that I wanted to pose."
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Basically, he felt the plant-based lifestyle wasn't giving him the "raw" energy he needed to endure six-hour training sessions.
What He Eats Instead
He didn't just go back to McDonald's, though. Tyson’s current approach is much more "hunter-gatherer" than his 1980s steak-and-pasta days.
- Wild Game: He’s been vocal about eating elk and bison.
- Clean Proteins: He sticks to meat that he considers "wild stuff" rather than processed junk.
- The "Poison" Comment: In a classic Mike Tyson hyperbolic moment, he actually called kale and vegetables "poisonous" for his specific body type during his heavy training cycles.
The Physical Transformation
It's hard to argue with the results, even if the nutritionists are still debating the science. Tyson dropped from a "clinically obese" 27 stone down to a shredded 220 pounds.
Initially, the weight loss was all thanks to the vegan diet. It cleared up his skin, fixed his arthritis, and gave him mental clarity. But to put on the dense muscle mass required to trade blows with guys half his age, he felt he needed the creatine and dense calories found in red meat.
He’s currently consuming anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 calories a day when he's in "fight mode."
It's Not Just About the Meat
If you think Mike is just sitting around eating steaks, you're missing the bigger picture of his current health philosophy. He’s evolved into a very "alternative" space.
He’s been very open about using:
- Psilocybin Mushrooms: He told Logan Paul on the Impaulsive podcast that he trains on mushrooms because they make him feel "beautiful."
- Cannabis: While he occasionally takes breaks (like the "sex and weed ban" he implemented before the Jake Paul fight), he’s generally a massive advocate for the plant.
- Discipline over Everything: He’s been known to wake up at 4:00 AM for jogs, followed by hours of bag work and strength conditioning.
The Lesson for the Rest of Us
What most people get wrong about Mike Tyson's diet is the idea that there is a "perfect" way to eat forever. Tyson treats his body like a laboratory.
For ten years, veganism was his medicine. It saved his life when he was at his lowest. But when his goals changed from "surviving" to "competing," his diet changed with it.
Nutrition is personal. What works for a retired legend might not work for a 20-year-old athlete. Tyson’s journey shows that it’s okay to pivot when your body starts sending different signals.
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Actionable Takeaways from Tyson’s Journey
If you're looking to overhaul your own health based on the "Tyson Method," here is how to actually apply it without needing a world-class training camp:
- Listen to your "Bio-Feedback": If you feel sluggish or weak on your current diet, don't be afraid to experiment. Tyson switched back to meat because his "motivation and energy levels" for training had waned.
- Prioritize Whole Foods: Whether he’s vegan or a carnivore, Mike generally avoids "processed foods." He’s looking for fuel, not fillers.
- Don't Ignore Recovery: Tyson swears by massages and light stationary bike sessions for recovery. Diet is only half the battle.
- Focus on Strength: As we age, maintaining muscle mass is critical. Tyson’s move back to animal protein was specifically to support his "strength and endurance" goals as a man in his late 50s.
Ultimately, Mike Tyson isn't vegan anymore, but he is arguably in the best shape of his life. He found what works for his specific chemistry and his specific goals.