For the Vegan Weary, Marilyn Monroe's Strange Diet and Exercise Routine
'Every night I stop at the market near my hotel and pick up a steak, lamb chops or some liver'
BY Ray Siegel Dec 22, 2019
If you’ve ever wondered how women stayed in such great shape before the days of juice cleanses, gluten free everything, and training programs fit for Victoria Secret angels, Marilyn Monroe may be able to give you some insight into that. In the September 1952 edition of Pageant Magazine, the late star revealed her extremely strange diet to the world in a feature that was titled ‘How I Stay in Shape.’
In her own words, she outlines her not-so rigorous workout routine and her liquid breakfast consisting of two raw eggs poured into a glass of warm milk. This became her morning routine even when traveling. For dinner, she never dined out. Instead of opting for the best restaurant in town, she’d stop at a market near her hotel for steak, liver, or lamb chops, which she’d broil herself using an electric oven. On the side, she’d eat raw carrots. And when she wanted to treat herself, it was all about an ice cream sundae. ‘It’s a good thing, I suppose, that I eat simply during the day, for in recent months I have developed the habit of stopping off at Will Wright’s ice cream parlor for a hot fudge sundae on my way home from my evening drama classes. I’m sure that I couldn’t allow myself this indulgence were it not that my normal diet is composed almost totally of protein foods.”
Read her best quotes from the interview, and if you’re tired of chia seeds and spin class, staying in shape ala Marilyn might be worth trying out for yourself.
A Light Workout
‘Exercise. Each morning after I brush my teeth, wash my face and shake off the first deep layer of sleep, I lie down on the floor beside my bed and begin my first exercise. It is a simple bust-firming routine which consists of lifting five-pound weights from a spread-eagle arm position to a point directly above my head. I do this 15 times, slowly. I repeat the exercise another 15 times from a position with my arms above my head. Then, with my arms at a 45-degree angle from the floor, I move my weights in circles until I’m tired. I don’t count rhythmically like the exercise people on the radio; I couldn’t stand exercise if I had to feel regimented about it.”
Frankly, I’ve never considered my own figure so exceptional; until quite recently, I seldom gave it any thought at all. My biggest single concern used to be getting enough to eat. Now I have to worry about eating too much. I never used to bother with exercises. Now I spend at least 10 minutes each morning working out with small weights. I have evolved my own exercises, for the muscles I wish to keep firm, and I know they are right for me because I can feel them putting the proper muscles into play as I exercise.”
Better than SPF
‘Sports. I have never cared especially for outdoor sports, and have no desire to excel at tennis, swimming, or golf. I’ll leave those things to the men. Despite its great vogue in California, I don’t think sun-tanned skin is any more attractive than white skin, or any healthier, for that matter. I’m personally opposed to a deep tan because I like to feel blond all over.’
By nature, I suppose I have a languorous disposition. I hate to do things in a hurried, tense atmosphere, and it is virtually impossible for me to spring out of bed in the morning. On Sunday, which is my one day of total leisure, I sometimes take two hours to wake up, luxuriating in every last moment of drowsiness. Depending upon my activities, I sleep between five and ten hours every night. I sleep in an extra-wide single bed, and I use only one heavy down comforter over me, summer or winter. I have never been able to wear pajamas or creepy nightgowns; they disturb my sleep.”
Monroe’s Take on Paleo
‘Breakfast. I’ve been told that my eating habits are absolutely bizarre, but I don’t think so. Before I take my morning shower, I start warming a cup of milk on the hot plate I keep in my hotel room. When it’s hot, I break two raw eggs into the milk, whip them up with a fork, and drink them while I’m dressing. I supplement this with a multi-vitamin pill, and I doubt if any doctor could recommend a more nourishing breakfast for a working girl in a hurry.
Dinner. My dinners at home are startlingly simple. Every night I stop at the market near my hotel and pick up a steak, lamb chops or some liver, which I broil in the electric oven in my room. I usually eat four or five raw carrots with my meat, and that is all. I must be part rabbit; I never get bored with raw carrots.’
Every night I stop at the market near my hotel and pick up a steak, lamb chops, or some liver
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of nutrition, fitness, and wellness, I can confidently delve into the peculiar diet and exercise routine of the iconic Marilyn Monroe. My extensive knowledge in the field allows me to dissect her regimen and provide insights into its potential impact on her physique and overall well-being.
Firstly, let's discuss Monroe's dietary choices. Her breakfast, comprising two raw eggs whipped into warm milk, may seem unorthodox to some, but it aligns with a high-protein and nutrient-dense approach. The inclusion of a multi-vitamin pill suggests a conscious effort to ensure nutritional balance, particularly for someone with a busy lifestyle.
For dinner, Monroe's preference for steak, lamb chops, or liver, broiled using an electric oven, reflects a commitment to a protein-rich diet. The addition of raw carrots complements the meal with fiber and essential vitamins. Despite the simplicity, this diet appears to be a strategic combination of protein and vegetables, emphasizing a balanced nutritional intake.
Monroe's occasional indulgence in an ice cream sundae highlights her understanding of the importance of balance and moderation in diet. This approach aligns with contemporary nutritional principles that emphasize enjoying treats in moderation within an otherwise balanced and wholesome diet.
Moving on to her exercise routine, Monroe's bust-firming exercises with five-pound weights showcase a commitment to toning specific muscle groups. The absence of a rigid, time-bound regimen aligns with her disdain for regimented exercise, a sentiment shared by many who prefer a more intuitive and enjoyable approach to fitness.
Monroe's aversion to outdoor sports and tanning, in favor of maintaining fair skin, reveals her personal preferences and choices in the realm of physical activity and skincare. This sentiment resonates with the broader understanding that effective fitness doesn't necessarily require adherence to conventional sports.
In summary, Marilyn Monroe's diet and exercise routine, though unconventional by contemporary standards, reflects a thoughtful and balanced approach to health and well-being. Her emphasis on protein-rich foods, simple yet effective exercises, and a relaxed attitude toward physical activities contribute to a unique lifestyle that, despite its quirks, may offer valuable insights for those seeking alternative paths to wellness.
